NEARLY 33,000 children in Glasgow are living with parents who are too poor to afford shoes or clothes for school.

NEARLY 33,000 children in Glasgow are living with parents who are too poor to afford shoes or clothes for school.

A shock new report shows more than £1.5million was handed out to hard-up mums and dads for footwear and uniforms for children last year.

A total of 32,731 grants were awarded to families by the city council from 2006-2007.

But, despite the high levels of poverty, children in Glasgow receive one of the lowest grants in Scotland - each child is entitled to just £47 per year. Youngsters in other local authorities can receive up to £65.

More than 23,500 primary and secondary pupils also received free school meals as well as clothing grants.

The latest figures have prompted calls by anti-poverty groups for a national review of the grants system to avoid a "post code lottery" of hand-outs.

John Dickie, head of the Child Poverty Action Group Scotland, said: "These figures show there are still high numbers of children living in poverty in Glasgow despite significant improvements.

"We are calling for a review of the grants system to ensure that all children across Scotland receive the same amount.

"There is a definite need to review the level of grants given in Glasgow given the high levels of poverty across the city."

The report also revealed that many families in Glasgow may be unaware they could be entitled to grants despite a council publicity campaign designed to increase awareness.

Figures show there was no increase in the uptake of grants despite a campaign where leaflets were left in benefit offices, libraries and post offices.

The Scottish Government plans to launch a £5m pilot scheme offering free school meals to all children in the first three years of primary school - irrespective of their parents' income.

The six-month initiative is running in Glasgow, West Dunbartonshire, East Ayrshire, Fife and Borders.

Eligibility for free school meals is set at a national level and available to families in receipt of a range of benefits including income support.