As Back to School season approaches, Advice NI is encouraging families across Northern Ireland to take advantage of local school uniform exchanges, to reduce the financial burden that education costs can place on households.
Parents can donate uniform items that are still in good condition, such as jumpers, blazers and shirts, so that other families can make use of them this coming school year. Parents in need can also choose to take items that they require at designated drop off and collection points.
A survey conducted by the Irish League of Credit Unions this year* found that over a third of Northern Irish parents get into debt covering the costs of back to school, with parents spending an average of £1,034 per secondary school child. The survey found that the most expensive item this year for both primary and secondary was school uniforms at £126 for primary, a decrease of £5 from 2020 and £181 for secondary, an increase of £4.
Although school uniform grants are available from the Education Authority to families in receipt of Universal Credit or certain benefits, these grants will cover only a fraction of the cost of the typical school uniform in Northern Ireland.
Household incomes across Northern Ireland have been hit hard by the Coronavirus pandemic and during this period of economic instability, low-income families may be struggling to make ends meet with many feeling forced to turn to expensive payday loans or doorstep lenders for loans that they may not be able to afford to pay back.
Bob Stronge, Chief Executive of Advice NI said: “At Advice NI, we are conscious that the costs of a new school year can place many families under financial stress. We see many of our clients borrowing money to pay for uniforms and spending the next year paying it off. However, community organisations are working to alleviate this by organising uniform swop shops, and we would encourage families across Northern Ireland to avail of these.
“We would also encourage families to avoid using high interest lenders. Advice NI offers free, impartial advice to help you navigate debt, including tips on how to avoid it and how to find your way out of it.
“Our free and confidential benefit entitlement check can help you to find out if there is help that you may be entitled to, including Tax Credits, Child Benefit, and childcare costs.”
Sinéad Campbell, Advice NI’s Head of Money, Debt and Quality said: “Back to school costs are expensive for all parents but are particularly challenging for low-income families, who will often use credit to cover the costs of children returning to school. At Advice NI, we see so many spiralling into debt to finance these costs.
“As an alternative, we would encourage families to consider the uniform swop shops if they are available in their local community. These are a fantastic way for families to cut expenses and prevent themselves from getting further into debt.
“For those who are currently struggling with debt, we would reassure them that they are not alone. Advice NI and our members across Northern Ireland can offer local support and we would encourage anyone in difficulty to reach out to us as soon as possible.
Advice NI and its members across Northern Ireland are supporting many people and families who are struggling financially and need advice on budgeting, saving and debt management. The advice is free and confidential, so anyone in need of support should visit www.adviceni.net, where further resources are available. To find an advice centre in your local area, just visit www.adviceni.net/advice/local.
To find a uniform swap scheme in your area, contact your local school, community centre or family hub.
