By David Williamson Kelly Ashmore
Plans to cut the cost of school uniforms could actually force prices up, hitting struggling families in the pocket, the Government has been warned. Retailers say if the Department for Education pushes ahead with capping the number of required branded items at three – plus a tie – they may be forced to increase prices, reduce support for low-income families or sack staff. A Schoolwear Association survey of more than 150 specialist retailers found 86 per cent thought the policy would make uniforms more expensive in the long run, The Express reports. READ MORE: 10-second siren to blare from every phone in the UK in ’emergency alert’ To cover lost revenue, six out of 10 said they would be forced to raise prices. A third of businesses said they would not survive if the cap was implemented in its present form, while 54 per cent said they may have to get rid of staff. Fifty-four per cent of those surveyed said they would most likely have to reduce or remove discounts and support schemes for families on low incomes. The Government was also accused by not meaningfully consulting with retailers by 94 per cent of retailers who took part. As the House of Lords considers the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, the Schoolwear Association was pushing for a “more realistic” cap of five branded items, plus a tie. Chairman Matthew Easter said: “These findings should come as a serious warning to the Government. “We have repeatedly tried to engage with ministers in a constructive way to warn of the risks of this policy backfiring – harming the very families it’s meant to help, and putting small community businesses and local jobs at risk. “A blunt, one-size-fits-all cap will only drive-up costs and reduce access to essential support.” The average cost of compulsory secondary school uniform and sportswear stands at £92.35, which is down by a quarter since statutory guidance was introduced in 2021, the Schoolwear Association claims. “The existing uniform guidance – brought in with cross-party support in 2021 – is working well,” said Iain Mansfield, head of education at the Policy Exchange think tank. “In trying to fix something that’s not broken, the Education Secretary’s overly-simplistic approach may end up actually increasing the costs of school uniform for hard-working parents.” However, the planned limit of three branded items was supported by the Children’s Society. It claimed “thousands of children are being unfairly punished and excluded from education activities because their families cannot afford expensive school uniforms”. Chief executive, Mark Russell, said: “Punishing children for circumstances outside their control is deeply unjust. “Every child should be able to attend school without fear of detention, isolation, or exclusion because of uniform costs their families cannot afford.” Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said: “School uniforms can create a sense of community and belonging for children but they shouldn’t cost the earth. “Through our Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill we are capping the number of costly branded uniform items – putting money back into the pockets of working families as part of our Plan for Change. “Whilst it might upset those who profit from branded items, it’s clear from the Children’s Society research that we have the backing of parents. “It means schools can continue to benefit from a cohesive uniform, while parents can shop where suits their budget.”