Oxfordshire parents facing crisis as back to school costs soar

It follows research from lender Creditspring

Author: Tom ClabonPublished 30th Aug 2024
Last updated 30th Aug 2024

Research from the national money lender has found that four in ten parents don't know how they'll afford to buys things like uniforms or stationery, for next month.

A wider look at the findings:

Creditspring's survey of 2,000 UK adults found:

Nearly four in ten (37%) parents say they expect spending on back-to-school supplies will put them into debt

Four in ten (39%) parents say they will be reliant on credit products to buy back-to-school supplies – a fifth (20%) will be forced to turn to credit cards for back-to-school purchases.

48% of parents say they are likely to cut spending on other essential items to be able to afford back-to-school supplies and 58% expect back-to-school supplies to cost more this year than ever before.

What help's on offer for those struggling with these costs?

We've been hearing from the Head at Cheney School, Rob Pavey:

"Pretty much every school I know of will run a similar scheme to us in providing assistance with second-hand uniform items being made available, at reasonable costs.

"The Department for Education have pushed forward a drive to remove unnecessary branded items, in recent times as well."

Many schools and communities offer opportunities for schools and families to share previously used but good condition uniform items.

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