Financial information

Use clear language for financial information

Dealing with financial issues can be stressful, which means your audience will have less cognitive capability available. Write information so that it is easy for them to understand.

Explain financial terminology.

Avoid using financial jargon. We've talked about acronyms before.  People using your services may not understand them.

Give examples of conceptual financial arrangements

Here is some information about direct payments for school transport costs.

Direct payments for travel assistance for children with special educational needs

The amount of direct payment paid to a parent or carer is calculated by an award of:

• 70p per mile between home and the child’s school (in-borough schools only) – for students attending school daily we assume four journeys per day (to and from school in the morning and in the afternoon)
• 45p per mile between home and the child’s place of education (out-of-borough schools only) – for students attending school daily we assume four journeys per day (to and from school in the morning and in the afternoon).

This is quite clear, but could be improved with a short example:

Rashid is entitled to travel assistance to and from school. He lives 3 miles from the school, which is in the borough. His parents will get 70p per mile.

Total miles = 3 miles  x 4 journeys (to and from school in the morning and afternoon) = 12 miles

Travel assistance = 12 miles x 70p = £8.40 per school day

Showing the working of the calculation will help people decide if it is right for them to apply.

📝  Find examples of financial concepts in your Local Offer. Share some examples in the discussion and show your calculations.