Labour vows to limit branded items in effort to slash uniform costs
Guidance introduced in 2021 says to keep branded items to "a minimum"
Labour has declared it aims to cut the rising cost of uniforms for schoolchildren by limiting the number of branded items parents are made to buy.
In an effort to help families struggling through the cost of living crisis, the party pledged to strengthen guidance already in place.
Back in 2021, new rules were brought into force to keep the amount of money spent on uniforms for schools to "a minimum".
Labour said that under its leadership, parents would only need to buy three branded items of clothing for kids - including the uniform and PE kit.
Bridget Phillipson, Shadow Education Secretary, said that the party was aiming to reach families that are left grappling with skyrocketing costs.
"As children and parents look forward to the new term, Labour is determined to reset the relationship between schools and families, and that includes reducing the cost of school uniforms," she remarked.
"With the Conservatives' cost-of-living crisis raging, it's wrong that parents are having to shell out hundreds of pounds to kit out kids for the new school term."
Trade unions have also hit out at the Conservatives for doing little to stem the rising cost of going to school, adding to calls to cut back on how many branded clothing items schools require.
Geoff Barton, the General Secretary for the Association of School and College Leaders, commented on the extortionate amount of money parents are being expect to shelf out for their children's clothes.
He added that to help families trying to make it through the cost of living crisis, schools should avoid "having logos on every item", saying that prices are pushed up as a result.
It comes as figures published by The Children's Society in June found parents are still being asked to spend "exorbitant amounts" on uniforms.
According to the research, parents of kids going through secondary school are paying over £400 on average for clothes.
Similarly, primary school parents are having to spend £287 per child in order to ensure they are dressed correctly.