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London families hit by cost-of-living crisis to get new school uniforms

Stock photo of school exam  (PA Wire)
Stock photo of school exam (PA Wire)

A London borough is to pay for new school uniforms for more than 1,000 children to help ease the cost-of-living crisis.

Wandsworth, which was won by Labour in May’s local elections after 44 years as a Tory borough, is targeting the help at families of children who receive free school meals.

Up to £140,000 of emergency payments are being made to ensure families receive funds ahead of the start of the new school year next month.

Vouchers worth £31 will be given for children moving into reception class in primary school, and £150 for children moving up to secondary school. The council is also providing food vouchers throughout the summer holidays.

Kate Stock, Wandsworth’s cabinet member for children, said: “People across Wandsworth are facing an unprecedented and continued cost-of-living crisis. Families shouldn’t have to choose between paying for fuel or buying a uniform.”

Other councils offering grants for school uniforms include Westminster, Islington, Hammersmith & Fulham, Greenwich and Tower Hamlets.