LGA calls for an end to specialist school uniforms

Supermarkets have held numerous advertising campaigns over the summer for their cheap school uniforms. However, the LGA is concerned that many schools still only have uniforms available from specialist suppliers.

A recent survey found 17 per cent of parents could only buy uniforms or PE kits from a single supplier or from the school itself.

Margaret Eaton, chairman of the LGA, said: "Parents should be aware they have the power to influence schools over their uniform. Mums and dads everywhere should feel able to ask questions of their school governors and speak up if they think the uniform is too expensive or too hard to get hold of."

The LGA is calling for schools to have two or more uniform suppliers and it says parents should be easily able to buy second hand items.

Government guidance introduced two years ago warned schools they could face challenges under the Competition Act 1998 if they used only one supplier.