Answer:

Often, if there is a school logo on the clothing then this can only be bought from certain places. You could however ask the school if there are any items in the uniform that can be bought from cheaper suppliers.

The school may also run 'nearly new' uniform schemes or offer any financial help or grants towards the cost of uniforms.

If your child is disabled and you are on Income Support or Income-Based Job Seekers' Allowance, then you may be eligible for a community care grant from the Social Fund. Contact the Sudbury CAB for more details about this.

Barclaycard runs a scheme called Horizons Childrens Fund which helps lone parents with financial support to help with the costs of school trips and uniforms to a maximum of £200.

For more information about this, and assistance in making an application, please visit the website for the Family Welfare Association (www.fwa.org.uk/horizons) or try calling them on 020 7249 5443. Alternatively you can contact Sudbury CAB for advice and assistance.

Please also let the Sudbury CAB know if you experience problems with certain schools or uniform suppliers.

Citizens Advice is running a national survey to find out how widespread the problem is and how best to campaign against the practice.



This article is intended as a guide only. Please do not rely on this guide for advice in your personal situation. If you have any specific concerns or questions about how the rules could help you, then the Citizens' Advice Bureau may be able to help.

The CAB service is a network of independent charities that helps people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing advice and information and influencing policymakers. The advice provided by the CAB is free, independent, confidential and impartial and open to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.

Sudbury and District Citizens' Advice Bureau, Belle Vue, Newton Road, Sudbury CO10 2RG, telephone 01787 374671, fax: 01787 881564, email: contact@sudburycab.org.uk.

Further information on other debt, welfare and consumer issues can be found on www.adviceguide.org.uk.