Wakefield Council to invest £2 million to support families with the cost of school uniform

The council said it would help Wakefield families with school uniform costs, ensuring every child starts the year confident and ready to learn.

It described the scheme as a practical way for the council to support families with rising costs during a time when the summer holidays place extra pressure on household budgets.

Coun Margaret Isherwood, the council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “We know starting a new school year can put real pressure on family budgets.

"We're committed to removing barriers to education, so every child is supported to attend school every day with the opportunity to thrive.

"This investment is about giving every family a little extra help and making sure every child and young person is ready to learn.”

The scheme, funded through the newly approved District Investment Fund, will provide a universal contribution to all school‑age children living in the Wakefield district and attending a state-run or academy school.

Around 50,000 school-age children will benefit, receiving £30 for every primary-aged pupil and £50 for every secondary-aged pupil.

The initiative is part of the council’s District Investment Fund, a £4.3 million commitment to invest during 2026-27.

It is intended to help families with the cost of school uniforms and childcare, improve access to training and leisure opportunities for our young people, contribute more to work to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, and provide vulnerable pensioners with seasonal cost of living support.

Full details on eligibility and how families will receive the support will be shared ahead of the launch.