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Dan Whitworth & Dearbail Jordan, reporting from Winsford, Cheshire
Many low-income families in England are facing challenges with the cost of school uniforms, prompting one of the UK’s largest debt advisers to call for standard grants to be offered. In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, families receiving certain benefits are eligible to claim between £93 to £200 per child for back-to-school clothing. However, only a fifth of councils in England provide any form of assistance, leading to a significant disparity.
Money Wellness has highlighted the need for a statutory school clothing grant in England, as the average cost of a school uniform is around £340 for primary school children and £454 for secondary school students. As Adam Rolfe, a policy and public affairs officer at Money Wellness, pointed out, even with some savings in place, uniforms are still unaffordable for many low-income households without proper support. The organization found that only 22 out of 153 local education authorities in England offer a specific uniform grant, creating what they refer to as a “postcode lottery of support.”
While the Department for Education (DfE) is implementing changes to limit the number of branded items schools can require, thus reducing costs for families, the need for more comprehensive support remains evident. The Local Government Association acknowledges the financial burden facing parents when it comes to school uniforms but cites funding pressures as a significant challenge for councils in continuing to provide assistance. With the start of the school year fast approaching, the Children’s Society anticipates increased demand for school uniform banks.
Individuals like Carrie, who finds places like the Green Uniform and Baby Bank in Cheshire invaluable, recognize the need for affordable options. She emphasized the difficulty in affording brand-new school uniforms and the ongoing costs associated with growing children. As more families seek sustainable solutions, second-hand clothing banks provide a cost-effective and environmentally conscious alternative.
Michelle Hawthorne from a school uniform bank in Winsford, Cheshire, highlighted the enormous pressure that school uniform costs can place on families. Despite efforts to alleviate these financial burdens, the need for a consistent, national approach to school uniform support in England remains urgent. The Department for Education stresses its commitment to removing barriers to opportunity and supporting families through the Plan for Change initiative
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