AQW 3196/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 20/09/2022
Answered On Date: 11/10/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education (i) when she expects to receive a legal opinion on a school uniform price cap; and (ii) whether she will make this information available to the public.

Answer:

My Department is currently finalising a costed options paper on the review of the Free School Meals and Uniform Grant eligibility criteria that will form part of a public consultation later this year.

The review has considered a wide range of options that include the provision of a universal free school meals to some/all year groups as well as raising the income thresholds that apply to the eligibility criteria for applicants in receipt of Universal Credit or Working/Child Tax Credit.

As I announced in August, it is my intention that guidance on the costs of school uniforms will be placed on a statutory footing. My officials are continuing to engage with the Departmental Solicitor’s Office on how this can best be achieved, recognising my wish that this guidance is in place as soon as possible. As is normal practice, there are no plans to publish the legal advice the Department receives on this issue.

The development process will continue to involve a range of stakeholders whose input will be crucial in ensuring that the guidance is able to meet its aim of making uniforms more affordable for families. It will also take into account the statutory guidance on this issue that now applies in England and Wales.

Following the completion of initial engagement with key stakeholders and the development of draft guidance on the costs of uniforms, a public consultation will be carried out.