Abacus Daily Debt News

School uniform prices adding to parental debt woe?

The high prices parents face when paying for school uniforms could be increasing their debt concerns, it has been suggested.

Citizen's Advice stated schools are ignoring government guidance on keeping the garments at an affordable level and are adding to the finance-related stress many families are still suffering because of the recession.

The charity said too many educational institutions are insisting on maintaining a practice whereby uniforms can only be purchased from an excusive supplier, rather than allowing mums and dads to take advantage of offers available on the high street and in supermarkets.

Gillian Guy, chief executive of the organisation, said because of the current economic climate, "it's all the more important that schools do what they can to keep costs down for families who are under severe financial pressure".

The recent Cost of a Child study by LV= revealed parents in the UK will fork out a combined £709 million to kit out their children for the forthcoming school year.

By Amy White