The Southwark Liberal Democrats have called on the council to introduce a free school uniform bank to help families struggling to afford school uniforms.
A school uniform bank gives out free uniforms to families in the borough finding it difficult to meet the cost of new ones.
Liberal Democrat run Sutton Council launched their Community Uniform Bank earlier this month, and residents have said it would be “tremendous” if it could be introduced in more places.
The uniform bank in Sutton takes community donations and provides branded and unbranded school uniforms for children aged 4 to 18.
Parents are struggling to meet the rising cost of school uniforms, with research from the Children’s Society has estimated that parents spend £422 a year on school uniforms.
The Lib Dem opposition in Southwark is calling on the council to follow Sutton’s lead and introduce this sustainable and community led initiative to help families before the school year starts.
Commenting, Southwark Lib Dem Education Spokesperson Cllr Irina von Wiese said:
“The huge cost of school uniforms is yet another unsustainable financial pressure families are facing in this Conservative-created cost of living crisis. At £422 a year it won’t just be the poorest feeling the pinch. School uniform banks provide a sustainable and community driven way to help those struggling to meet the cost of new school uniforms. Liberal Democrat run Sutton Council has proved this scheme is desperately needed and we are urging Southwark Council to follow their lead.”
