§ Mr. ToddTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many local education authorities provide assistance towards the cost of school uniforms. [152955]
§ Jacqui SmithThis information is not collected centrally. Local education authorities have a discretionary power, but not a duty, to offer grants towards the cost of school uniform and school clothing in cases of hardship. It is for them to decide whether to offer assistance and, if they do, what the eligibility criteria should be. It is also for them to defend their policies locally in the light of local needs and priorities.