‘I won change in law: now make it happen’
ARUNCORN MP has urged the Government to make sure a change in the law to make it easier to buy cheaper school uniforms comes into effect next year.
Mike Amesbury of Weaver Vale said he was “disappointed” that his private member’s bill aimed at ensuring parents can shop around had not been implemented in time for the start of the 2021-22 year despite having gained Royal Assent in May.
The new law will also allow parents to challenge schools if it fails to put the legislation into action.
He expects guidance to be issued to schools soon so the change in the law can take effect in time for the 2022-23 academic year.
The Labour MP launched his private member’s bill in a bid to end what he called “monopolies” in the supply of school uniforms that mean parents have to buy from a preferred supplier.
In an interview with the BBC, Mr Amesbury said: “This will ensure affordability is centre stage.
“There’s been statutory guidance around since 2013 but guidance is guidance and far too many schools, whether that’s principals and headteachers or governors, have ignored it.
“Some schools have been great though.” He added: “It must be in place next year.
“I’d be incredibly disappointed to say the least but, very importantly, so would hundreds of thousands of children, parents, families and campaigners if it doesn’t happen on time.” Explaining how parents will be able to challenge schools that fail to comply with the change, he said: “Of course, they’ll have a complaints process whether that’s to governors, headteachers and principals, right up to the Secretary of
State and that’s a fundamental difference from the word go.
“It will also introduce competition so no longer will there be that single supplier arrangement by a nod and a wink forever and a day.
“Procurement will be introduced.”
Mr Amesbury said schools will also be expected to set up swap shops to improve parents’ access to second-hand uniforms while addressing the sustainability agenda.
At present, some schools have such a service, such as Runcorn’s Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy in his constituency, and volunteers also run swap shops including Emma Ball who featured in the BBC news item after setting up the Uniform Exchange Winsford, covering schools in Winsford and Northwich.