New school uniform law to help cash-strapped parents takes major step forward

A crackdown on rip-off school uniform prices could come into force by September in a major win for the Sunday People.

A Private Members’ Bill by Labour ’s Mike Amesbury passed through the Commons on Friday unopposed and now gets ­detailed scrutiny.

The new legislation will force England to follow the example of Wales, where headteachers can specify basic items but not styles or specific suppliers – letting parents shop around.

Mr Amesbury said: “It’s been great to work with such a progressive newspaper as the People. I’m really pleased for hard-pressed parents that it got though.”

School uniforms can cost parents hundreds of pounds per child every year (file photo) (Getty)

Nearly one in six families say uniform costs force them to cut back on food and other basic ­essentials.

One study found that branded gear from a single ­supplier cost an average £340 a year for secondaries and £255 for primaries.

Schools Minister Nick Gibb said: “The cost of a uniform must not be a barrier to a child ­attending school.

“This will improve the lives of families across the country.”