Price cap on school uniform costs to be considered, says Education Minister

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Tuesday, 5 March 2024 16:21

Stormont’s Education Minister has warned school governors he will no longer permit them to ignore guidance on reducing uniform costs as he revealed a price cap is under consideration.

Paul Givan said he does not favour getting rid of school uniforms, insisting such a move would be a retrograde step, but he said he will be taking steps this year to ensure they are more affordable.

Mr Givan said proposals due to go out for public consultation later in the spring will include the beefing-up of current departmental guidance by putting it on a statutory footing and the introduction of a price cap on uniform costs.

The DUP minister was addressing the Assembly during a debate raising concerns about the impact of school uniform costs on hard-pressed families.