Over the last month my kids between them have needed money for a 3 night school trip, new school shoes, new football boots, school summer dresses, new pants and socks, gifts and cards for 2 friends parties and money for a book fair at school. We were lucky that they didn't all need new shoes this time! So is Lou saying she would rather pay for all this directly rather than allow James a few measly quid from universal credit? I'm sure he'd love that Lou so by all means crack on! Provide them with what they need and let us know how you're planning to fund it