Norfolk's parents say they're now spending hundreds on 'back-to-school' costs
37% of UK parents surveyed say they expect these bills will put them into debt
Parents of school children in Norfolk are now having to pay hundreds of pounds this month, to get their kids ready for the start of a new school year - according to a local mum.
It's as research from a national money lender has found that four in ten parents don't know how they'll afford to buys things like uniforms or stationery, ahead of the new school year.
"There's clearly an on-going issue that needs to be addressed"
Rebecca Wright lives in Norwich, and her daughter is about to start school: "For one of the parents that I speak to, she'd had to buy four different pairs of shoes for her child, to cover various that things she'll be do. She's starting school in September and her mum is hoping that her child doesn't outgrow them, as that would be yet another cost.
"A lot of parents say they're embarrassed that they have to use Uniform 'Swap Shops', but with with more people using them, there's clearly an on-going issue that needs to be addressed and I think that starts with the cost of these uniforms."
A wider look at the findings:
Creditspring's survey of 2,000 UK adults also found:
-37% parents say they expect spending on back-to-school supplies will put them into debt.
-39% parents say they will be reliant on credit products to buy back-to-school supplies and 20% will be forced to turn to credit cards for back-to-school purchases.
-33% of parents will be forced to raid savings pots to afford school uniforms and other equipment.
What help's on offer for those struggling with these costs?
Norfolk County Council say anyone struggling with these costs can apply for help via its 'Client Hardship Service'.