SDLP Derry Assembly representative Sinéad McLaughlin has called on the Education Minister to provide answers on what actions she is taking to support families with the cost of school uniforms.
The Foyle MLA has submitted an Assembly Question to the Education Minister to ask whether she will use the powers available to her to direct schools to amend uniform policies to remove the requirement for certain items to be branded.
Said the Foyle MLA: It was already difficult for many parents to meet the cost of school uniforms, but the current cost-of-living crisis has placed families in an impossible position.
“It cannot be right that we are asking parents to shell out hundreds of pounds for their child’s uniform, especially where cheaper alternatives for the uniforms exist.
“In Great Britain, the school uniform grants are much more generous and it is ridiculous that people here are being left behind.
“The Minister seems to insist that the guidance her Department has issued is enough, yet it is plain as day to anyone listening to parents that it is not enough.
“This conversation seems to take place every year without any progress being made and parents deserve answers on why that is.
“That’s why I have tabled a question to the Minister asking what steps she will be taking and whether she will use her office to direct schools to amend uniform policies to ensure that parents do not have to purchase expensive branded items where cheaper alternatives are available.
“I have also asked what other further steps the Minister is taking to support families with these extortionate costs.”
