5 days ago
Parents can claim £75 to buy new school uniforms ahead of term starting
It's back to school season and parents just need to make one simple move to see their savings doubled up to a maximum of £75 per child for school uniform purchases.
Parents are being given the opportunity to claim free cash for purchasing school uniforms through a fresh family support initiative. Wolverhampton City Council has joined forces with the city's credit union to assist families concerned about uniform expenses.
Children opening accounts with the credit union will see their savings doubled pound for pound up to a maximum of £75 for school uniform purchases.
The initiative also seeks to promote regular saving habits among youngsters, with a minimum of £5 remaining in the child's junior account. This year's programme is funded through the Government's Household Support Fund. In other news, a headteacher spots a pupil stealing from school, but the explanation is heartbreaking.
School uniform assistance may also be accessible in other regions, and parents are advised to visit their local council websites for information, reports Birmingham Live.
Council leader Stephen Simkins said the support was returning following its success in helping numerous families last year. He said: "I know how parents constantly feel the pressure to buy uniform for children and it can feel like it's never-ending as children grow so quickly."
He added: "With the cost of living still putting pressure on household finances, I'm glad we can work with the credit union again this year to help parents when they need it most. This is a great scheme and it helps not only pay for school uniform but also gets children into saving from a young age."
Wolverhampton Central Credit Union CEO, Tameka Spencer said: "We are pleased to continue our partnership with the city council for a second year. Building on the success of last year, we are excited to expand our efforts and extend our support to even more local families in need."
School uniforms in the UK can be shockingly expensive, and as children grow, parents can end up spending hundreds of pounds per year. The Department of Education reports that outfitting a child for school can cost about £343 for primary and £442 for secondary education.
For families finding it tough to make ends meet, the hefty price tag might push them towards credit cards and buy now, pay later schemes. However, it will now be much easier as they will be able to request £75 for school uniform purchases.
