School uniform costs are up 25% since 2015 according to data collected by The Children’s Society, as Labour urges the government to do more to enforce new measures designed to cut the cost of school uniforms.
New rules, initially proposed by Labour MP Mike Amesbury and backed by the Party, which come into force for the new school year require schools to work with parents to cut the cost of uniforms, including having more unbranded items of clothing that can be bought from supermarkets and other general clothing shops.
Yet for parents like Christopher the costs are continuing to wrack-up. Christopher’s daughter recently moved school and he is facing paying over £150 for a new uniform from a school supplier.
Christopher, who lives in Portsmouth, said; “Like any parent I’m doing my best to make sure my kids have got the kit they need, but the cost of living crisis means it’s getting harder and harder”.
Labour is urging the government to ensure the new rules on uniforms are being followed so parents can buy items like white shirts or polo tops more cheaply.
Stephen Morgan MP, Shadow Schools Minister, said:
“School uniforms can give kids a sense of identity and belonging but they’re becoming yet another burden for parents with costs spiralling.
“New rules that Labour backed should be making uniforms cheaper but I’m still hearing reports of parents who can only get uniform from one shop – the government must ensure uniform rules are being followed.
“Families need support with spiralling costs now, but the Conservatives are nowhere to be seen. Labour would be saving families £1,000 by freezing the energy price cap this winter, helping families manage costs like the return to school.”
