Wakefield Council to support struggling families with the cost of school uniform
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Wakefield Council’s new Cabinet has confirmed it will be delivering a targeted school uniform scheme for local children this year. The revised approach will make sure families struggling most with the cost of living get the support they need whilst providing value for money for local taxpayers.
“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.”
Cllr Matthew Caton
Cabinet Member for Children and Young People
The Council’s previous administration signed off on a £2 million scheme to give all school children free uniform vouchers regardless of need.
Under the revised plans, support will 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.
Cllr 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.”
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.