Financial Support Policy

'Cost should not be a barrier to anyone taking part in Scouting and if this might be an issue you can speak to the local section leaders in confidence' The Scout Association

Background

The 28th Cambridge Scout Group aims to be fully inclusive and believes that this includes enabling young people of all financial backgrounds to have the opportunity to participate in group events.
We offer activities which are reasonable in cost and affordable for the vast majority. For families that cannot afford the full cost of an activity we have access to support funds.
We recognize this can be a difficult subject to discuss. The parents/ carers of members in this situation are encouraged to speak to the section leader in confidence so that the Group may consider giving financial support.

We may help to fund

• Uniform
• Membership Fees and Subscriptions
• The cost of trips, camps and activities organized by the Group
• Equipment for camps can be loaned

The Process

Parents/carers who that feel their financial circumstances prevent their son or daughter participating in Scouting should discuss the situation with the Section Leader.

A confidential application form should be completed (below). When completing a form please be clear in what you require; please state what the total costs are, how much you are able to contribute yourself, how much you are asking for and whether you hope to be able to contribute more later.

The Section Leader will refer the matter to the Group Scout Leader (GSL) who will discuss a payment plan with the Group Treasurer and Executive Chairperson. It is the GSL, Group Treasurer and Executive Chairperson who will make the final decision as to the level of financial support provided. All discussions are strictly confidential.

Each application will be taken on its own merits. Funds are limited and requests may be turned down. All applications are considered equally and on their own merit. Conditions may be imposed on any funds granted. Key Group events will be given priority. These include Family Camp and Summer Camp.

The form is confidential and will be kept securely by the treasurer. Within one month of the outcome of the application, names will be removed from the form which will be retained for auditing and comparison of requests.

Criteria for Support

Need for support may be because of:

Young people in care

Young people acting as carers for dependent adults

Low family disposable income (both Young People and Adult Leaders)

Change of family circumstance since it committed to an expenditure

Significant health issues adding to cost of participation

Change of circumstances might include:

Unemployment / significant business change

Family bereavement

Family breakdown

Significant illness in family

Significant health issues are likely to involve:

Need for carer support

Need to adapt resources

 

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Strictly Confidential Please complete this form as fully as possible for each request			Date:
Child's Name
Section (please circle)	Scout	Cub	Beaver
Item(s) to be subsidised (e.g. camp/ event/ uniform/ subs / other)
Date of Event (if Applicable)
Total Cost of Item
Total you are able to contribute immediately
Total you may be able to contribute in the future
Parent / Guardian Name
Benefits received please tick	Free school meals
	Income Support
	Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
	Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
	Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
	Child Tax Credit
	Working Tax Credit
	Universal Credit
	Housing Benefit
	Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
	Other please state:
Please give any further information about your circumstances that are relevant to this application referring to the criteria for support above Information that may help us to make 'best judgment' of financial hardship may include the number of dependents in the applicants family, the total joint income of all family members and any benefits that are received by any members of the family.
Signature of Applicant
Contact Phone Number
If you would like to discuss this form or require support to fill it out please contact a Group Scout Leader

 

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for scout group use only

Decision made			Decision Date:
Reviewing Officer			Review Date:

Shep,	Akela,	Hazel
email	email	email