Member

I turn to Amendment 200 proposed by the noble Lord, Lord Agnew. As has been identified, the department’s existing statutory guidance already requires that, when developing their uniform policy, schools should prioritise and engage with parents and pupils on cost issues and should be able to show how parents’ views have been taken into account. It also requires that schools publish details of their uniform policy on their websites. However, while some schools are taking action to reduce the cost of school uniform, too many families tell us that it remains a financial burden. That is why, according to a Children’s Society survey, 78% of parents believe there should be a specific limit on the number of branded uniform items. That is why this measure is needed.