Written question asked by Mark Todd (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 March 2001. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Monday, 12 March 2001 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, how many local education authorities provide assistance towards the cost of school uniforms.

Answer: Mr. Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many local education authorities provide assistance towards the cost of school uniforms. [152955] Jacqui Smith: This 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.

Secondary information