School uniform grant to 'help 1,000 families'

The money will be used to help families struggling with the cost of uniforms

Families struggling with the cost of school uniforms are to be supported through a new grant.

North Tyneside Council said about 1,000 children are expected to benefit from the scheme, which is being rolled out in time for the new school year in September.

The council has allocated £60,000 from its Household Support Fund for the programme.

Karen Clark, cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said the grant was needed to help families.

"We’ve worked alongside schools in the borough to support the opening of uniform schemes which have been running successfully and this grant is a further way to support those families who need it most," she said.

Parents and carers receiving benefits, including work-related benefits, can apply for funding, the council said.

The money can be used to buy branded uniforms, school shoes and coats.

The council said it also worked with schools to create swap shops and uniform support schemes.

Cost of living

A survey by The Children's Society found almost half of parents in north-eastern England with school children, struggled with the cost of uniforms.

Mark Russell, the charity's CEO, said: "We know many schools have made some positive and commendable changes to their policies and more schools than ever are offering second-hand uniform options which are better for the environment as well as family budgets."

The charity has also welcomed the government's proposals to limit branded items and tighten legislation on uniforms.