SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has called for immediate intervention from the Education, Communities and Finance Ministers to support parents struggling to meet growing school costs and expand current financial assistance schemes.
Speaking following an Assembly motion on unaffordable school uniform costs, the Foyle MLA said: “The worry that comes with being a parent never ends- yet for 71% of parents, affording school uniform costs is an added anxiety.
“But school costs don’t stop there; meals, school trips, extra-curricular activities- the price of schooling can seem insurmountable.
“Families struggling to make ends meet have always been forced to cut costs but a decade of austerity, a pandemic, cost of living crisis and five years of no government later there’s nothing left to cut- it’s a disgrace that in our society, kitting children out for the school is fast becoming a luxury.
“Costs are forcing low-income families into debt and further into poverty.
“The purpose of uniforms was to remove peer pressure and level the playing field. Branded items negate that aim, in making a distinction, they single out children from a disadvantaged background and create an unnecessary burden for parents.
“The option of purchasing high street alternatives is a ‘no brainer’ and it’s vital schools get on board. Schools should also focus on offering uniform recycling schemes to reduce costs and help the environment.
“Capping costs is one thing but tackling the unaffordability and greatly diminished support will require buy-in from multiple departments.
“Not only should we be increasing the rate of uniform grants but the eligibility criteria for this and free school meals must be addressed urgently.
“The Universal Credit managed migration has seen the eligibility income threshold for both uniform grants and school meals drop from around £16k to under £14k.
“It’s ludicrous to reduce support when the need is so acute – without intervention it’ll only get worse from here.
“The SDLP warned of the devastating impact of Welfare Reform and sadly we’ve seen much of that come to pass- the welfare safety net has been eroded and thousands of people are freefalling into that gap as its impact is fully realised.
“This move will strip some of the poorest families of vital support come September 2024.
“The Ministers for Education, Communities and Finance have six months to sort this.
“Creating bespoke legislation for uniforms and free school meals needs to be progressed as a priority by this executive.”
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