Wakefield Council to cut cost of uniform fund by £1.3 million to support local community services

The council’s previous Labour administration signed off on a £2 million scheme earlier this year to give all school children free uniform vouchers, regardless of need.

But now the council’s new Reform UK led cabinet has has said it will deliver a targeted school uniform scheme with a reduced budget.

Under the revised plans, support will also be available for children eligible for free school meals and families experiencing hardship.

The new scheme is expected to cost around £700,000 with an offer of £30 per child for eligible families.

Coun Matthew Caton, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Targeting the limited funding we have directly towards the children and families who need it most is common sense and what any responsible council should be doing.

“The universal giveaway we inherited from the previous administration was never the best use of public money.

"It meant residents without school age children, who might also be struggling, could be subsidising better off parents.

“We are going to focus support on those who need it most, including children who are eligible for free school meals and families experiencing financial hardship.

“The scheme we’re putting in place will provide support that is deliverable and good value.

"And it enables us to invest in other essential local services to improve the lives of our residents.”

The funding for the school uniform initiative comes from a one-off pot of money from the profits made when an affordable joint housing venture was wound up by the previous administration.

Coun Caton added: “We’ve heard the message from residents loud and clear that you want change.

“A big part of that is putting a stop to spending money on things that the council simply can’t afford to do.

"By reducing the cost of this scheme by £1.3 million we can repurpose our resources into local services to improve our communities.”