A PROPOSAL to stop helping low income families in St Helens to buy school uniforms will go before St Helens Council next week.

The authority, which is proposing to consult on the plans, says the education services grant it receives from central Government - from which which the uniform funds come - has reduced by nearly £1m since its inception in 2013-14.

The report, which will go before councillors at cabinet on Wednesday, October 26, says there is no statutory duty for local councils to support uniform costs - and it adds that cutting funding will help the authority balance the books.

Currently, children aged four to 10 get £29.50 and those aged 11 to 15 get £44.

This applies to children who receive free school meals and/or whose parent or guardian receives either housing benefit or council tax reduction.

In the year 2015-16, 7,110 pupils benefited from the payments, around 30 per cent of the school population.

The report states: "Historically the school uniform clothing allowance was introduced at a time when school uniforms were relatively expensive. This was because parents had no option but to purchase uniforms from specialist providers.

"Now school uniforms are more universally available from high street stores and supermarkets at significantly lower prices."

It is being proposed that current families and the families who potentially qualify next year are consulted on the proposal via letter.

The consultation will also seek the views of schools.

A further report will be brought to Cabinet in February 2017 with an evaluation of the consultation responses.