Jane Fleming : Cumbria County Council

"I work at the Nan Tait Centre in Barrow and approve applications for free school meals. In the summer I will also be able to issue school clothing grants to anyone who is eligible for free school meals. We'll be doing both at the same time to cut down on bureaucracy.

The new clothing grants will be worth £25 a year for primary pupils and £35 a year for secondary pupils living in Cumbria. My job is to check what benefits people are claiming so we can work out whether they're entitled to the support or not. Parents claiming income support, job seekers allowance, child tax credits (but not working tax credit), support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 or those who can guarantee elements of state pension credit will be eligible.

Most of the families who come to the Nan Tait Centre already know what they're entitled to as information packs are sent out when pupils start school, so it's just a case of going through the paperwork. It's all very easy and I can make the decision there and then so they know whether they're getting it.

Free school meals make a big difference to families - they cost between £30 and £40 a month - so it's satisfying to known that you're helping people out."

For more information on school clothing grants and free school meals you can also call the Cumbria children and families information service on 08457 125 737 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.