A growing number of families in Lincolnshire are relying on baby banks for essential supplies as the cost-of-living crisis continues to mount. Local services in areas such as Market Rasen, Horncastle, and Grimsby are experiencing higher demand, with some anticipating a further increase during the summer school holidays.

According to the Baby Bank Alliance’s latest survey, 220,000 families across the UK accessed baby banks in 2024, up from 163,000 in 2023. Over 3.5 million items such as nappies, clothing, and cots were distributed last year, a 143% year-on-year rise.

The Market Rasen Baby Bank, which launched less than two years ago, reported that usage has quadrupled in just six months, with 76 families now regularly using the service across the town and surrounding villages.

The data reflect a broader trend of financial strain among working households, where both parents are often employed but still struggle to meet their monthly expenses. Rising nursery fees, up 10% on average following recent changes to employer taxation, have added to the burden, as reported by the National Day Nurseries Association.

Local businesses are helping fill the gap with donations, but organisers warn that the financial stress facing families is unlikely to ease anytime soon.

North Lincolnshire Council has confirmed continued transport support for students in the 2025/26 academic year, allocating funding that will assist hundreds of post-16 learners travelling to schools and colleges more than three miles from home.

Mainstream students will receive a £362 travel grant per year, with additional contributions from educational institutions and families. The grant must be applied to public transport where available, but can be used for alternative options, such as private vehicles or the Wheels to Education scheme, when necessary.

For young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the council will provide tailored transport assistance, including independent travel training, personal transport budgets, and direct support where required.

This move positions North Lincolnshire as one of the more generous local authorities in the region, with an increase in transport allowances and revised policies to provide flexible options that align with varied student needs.

The funding package aims to remove barriers to education and training access while giving families more control over transport arrangements. The initiative is also intended to support long-term skills development and independence among SEND learners, aligning with broader goals to keep residents of all ages connected to education and local communities.