PARENTS have called on the Welsh Government to do more to help support the costs of school uniforms as the school year is set to begin.

As another academic year dawns amid the current economic climate, parents throughout the region have shared their concerns about the cost of their children’s uniform.  

Susan Grice, mum of two, from Wrexham said: “I definitely feel more financially impacted this year. My son is moving up to Year 9, so that means a whole change of uniform colour from purple to black. Black trousers instead of grey, new style PE fleece and PE top must also be worn."

Susan added: “I think the government should step up and help us struggling families.”

READ MORE: Wrexham: Demand high on Yellow and Blue hub as families feel the pinch

When asked if the government could be doing more, Ceri Jackson, another parent from Wrexham said: “Yes I do think they could (be doing more). I know that my son’s uniform cost is astronomical, and we don’t claim any form of assistance from the government. We have struggled in the past, so it would be a godsend to have some form of help for families who do not qualify for assistance.”

In response, a Welsh government spokesperson said: “The cost-of-living crisis means more families are struggling – we will do everything we can to help. 

“Our school uniform guidance means schools must keep the cost uniforms to a minimum and many families on lower incomes are eligible for the Pupil Development Grant, to help with the cost of school uniforms and other school items. 

“This is the most generous scheme in the UK, and parents and guardians should contact their local authority to check their eligibility and apply.

“We will be updating this guidance shortly. In the meantime, we ask schools to ensure their current uniform policies are inclusive for all.”

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In Flintshire, Holywell Town Councillor and Deputy Mayor, Lynda Carter who ran a successful school uniform upcycling stall on Holywell Market throughout August said: “The government needs to be doing more. The uniform grant only gives one uniform. Kids are notorious for losing stuff, and boys coming home with holes in their pants, so one uniform isn’t enough.

“In the current crisis, parents will find themselves constantly washing the same uniform which will only continue to increase costs.”

Cllr Carter urged families to get in touch if they feel they need help.

“I periodically run an eco-recycling uniform stall on Hollywell market as I couldn’t bare the thought of uniform going to landfill. I plan to do another one around October time.

“I started the stall four years ago, but I have noticed this year more people coming along. If you have multiple children, it’s scary.

“I do have a stock of uniform; I can put a package together to be collected from the town council. So, I would advise anyone struggling to get in touch with me if they can and I will see what I have. My email is Lynda.Carter@holywell.wales or get in touch with Holywell Town Council and they will put them through to me.”

Elsewhere, Wrexham community hub, Yellow and Blue is doing their bit by hosting a scheme that allows members of the community to come in and take what they can, with donations available.

Hub co-ordinator, Ruth Marshall said: “At Yellow and Blue, we don’t judge anyone. We know the struggles and as a community we all support one another. The donations we received to be able to recycle some of the uniform shows that.

“There’s so many schools in the area so we can’t promise to have everything with different sizes, but we will help out where we can and welcome anyone to come in and have a rummage.”

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