WARRINGTON Borough Council has confirmed it will not be supporting low-income families with school uniforms.

This comes ahead of the academic year when many families will be renewing their child’s uniform and PE kit – or buying them for the first time.

But the council has confirmed it is not in receipt of government funding to support families with school uniform costs.

However, there is a range of other support available in Warrington for those who may be struggling with the cost – particularly amid the cost of living crisis.

A Warrington Borough Council spokesperson said: “The funding of school uniforms is not a statutory right and therefore the council is not in receipt of government funding to support the purchase of uniforms for families.

“Schools are able to provide advice on budget options to meet their uniform requirements and may have taken account of any hardship of families when setting their uniform and branding guidelines.

“Schools may also have a hardship fund to support families when in need.”

The council revealed the following school uniform support is available for families in need:

  • Parental donations or the purchase of second-hand uniforms from parents at school
  • School uniform grants from the Fashion and Textile Children’s Trust
  • Local Facebook groups where parents operate a uniform ‘swap shop’
  • School Uniform Network at Warrington Foodbank in Golden Square Shopping Centre
  • In-person uniform ‘swap shops’ at Bewsey and Dallam Hub and St Elphin's Pavilion”