Bradford: Parents urged to sign up to school uniform saving scheme

UnifomSavers has been running for three years

Single-parent families in Bradford have been encouraged to take part in a scheme which helps them save money for new school uniforms.

Parents who sign up and manage to save a small amount for at least three months will get a £100 bonus in August.

UniformSavers is supported by Bradford District Credit Union and the council

Bradford Council said the scheme, now in its third year, aims to prevent parents having to borrow money and encourages saving.

Parents can set up a regular monthly savings plan with the credit union with a modest contribution of £10.

In August, savers who save at least three times will receive a £100 boost into their account.

Imran Khan, the council's portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, said: "People were telling us that they felt they couldn't save money and would often borrow from payday loans, rely on family and friends, or even resort to loan sharks to pay for school uniforms."

He said it was an "easy and judgement-free" way to save.

The council said the scheme, which is supported by the West Yorkshire mayor's cost-of-living fund, had emerged as a "lifeline for those grappling with the cost of living crisis, providing not only essential financial assistance but also valuable insights into effective financial management".

In 2023, The Children's Society found parents spent on average £287 on primary uniforms and £422 a year on secondary uniforms.