Monday 24th of August 2009
Schools have been urged to use two or more suppliers in order to help cash-strapped parents keep costs down when buying uniforms for their children.
The Local Government Association (LGA) has said schools should adhere to plans to help mums and dads afford everything their child needs, which could require strict debt management on their part.
As well as increasing suppliers, school logos and symbols should be available as sewn-on patches so cheaper uniforms can be bought and the logos placed on to them, rather than making parents go to school-specific shops.
Mums and dads should also be able to buy and sell second-hand uniforms, the LGA suggested, although this may not be enough for some households.
Indeed, Britons who find that most of their income goes on paying off creditors may find a debt management plan proves effective. A financial expert will oversee the plan and include costs such as school uniforms and equipment, allowing households to see exactly where their money needs to go.
"Offering uniforms from a number of retailers and making it easier to attach logos to widely available clothing lets schools keep their individuality while bringing in the necessary competition to keep costs down," LGA chairman councillor Margaret Eaton said.
By Chris King
