Hopes new rules will drive down cost of school uniforms for Lincolnshire families
The Government says the legally-binding guidelines will allow parents to get the best value for money
New rules have been revealed looking to reduce the cost of school uniforms for struggling families across Lincolnshire's.
The legally-binding guidelines will require schools to make uniforms affordable for all.
The Department for Education says schools must ensure that uniform costs are reasonable and that parents get the best value for money.
It's after research from the DfE in 2015 that showed parents can save almost £50 on average if they buy all uniform items from any store, compared to uniform which all needs to be bought from a designated shop or school.
From next autumn, schools will be required to take steps to remove unnecessary branded items and allow more high-street options.
There'll also be a focus on second-hand clothing.
Schools are expected to have taken steps before parents buy uniform for the academic year beginning in September 2022.
Judith Coe, from the Christian Fellowship, which runs the School Uniform Bank in Spilsby, said anyone can need support.
"It happens to lots of families, sometimes it's a one-off, sometimes it's a long term thing.
"For example, suddenly the car needs work doing, a new engine or new tyres, you've straight away got a bill you weren't expecting.
"You have to fix that to get to work to get your money, so that way food is going to be tight, or school uniforms going to be tight.
"That's family life and that's where, hopefully, we can help out."