The Mayor of Lichfield says she is ditching a traditional civic event in favour of supporting a project helping families struggling with the cost of school uniforms and equipment.
Cllr Ann Hughes confirmed she would replace the ‘Mayoress at home’ afternoon tea event.
Instead, she will host the Mayor’s School Uniform Bank session at the Guildhall from 2pm to 4pm on 25th August.
The child-friendly session will offer free refreshments and a chance to pick up pre-loved uniform and educational equipment to help those struggling with cost of living challenges ahead of the new year.
Cllr Hughes said:
“This event replaces the very traditional Mayoress at Home tea party, with its echoes of a world long gone.
“Uniform exchanges offer vital help at a time of severe financial pressure for families. They also contribute to saving the environment by avoiding clothes waste.
“We all know that children grow faster than clothes wear out, and it’s good to share rather than throw away.”
Cllr Ann Hughes, Lichfield City Council
Further collection events will be held on dates to be confirmed at Life Church and Boley Park Community Centre.
Cllr Hughes said:
“The uniform exchange worked well last year and we want it to take place on a larger scale, promoted by myself as Mayor with the support of Lichfield City Council.
“Clean, good quality items of school uniform, branded items from all city schools as well as generally useful trousers, skirts, jumpers and PE kits etc can be donated at the city council offices in Donegal House, or at Tesco Extra, Morrisons, St Chad’s Church and the Life Church at Netherstowe.
“We particularly need secondary school blazers and stationery items are also useful.”
Cllr Ann Hughes, Lichfield City Council
A great initiative, pity it doesn’t seem to resound upwards to LDC, SCC, and Westminster.
Great idea Mayoress. My school blazers are long gone but I’m sure I’ve got some stationery I can spare.
Schools should reduce uniform costs by having the bare minimum of branded items. Also the government should fund schools properly instead of doing borderline malicious actions like declaring teachers get a pay rise but not giving schools more money to cover the cost of that. Proper funding might reduce the temptation for schools to introduce branded uniform items where they get a cut of the sale.
Excellent idea! I was involved in second hand uniform sales for the PTA at my daughters’ school and found there was a real need for this. I hope lots of people benefit.
@BigStephenS- Why the sarcasm?
How many uniforms would £396 buy? That is the amount our MP claimed on expenses for professional accountancy advice to help with tax returns.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/jul/23/corbyn-and-reeves-among-mps-who-used-expenses-to-claim-accountancy-advice
ProfessorPineapple The answer will depend in part in what you think counts as a single uniform. For example is it sufficient for a child to have a single shirt, or should the definition of a single uniform include multiple shirts? A few minutes on Google suggests £396 is enough to provide uniform for as few as one and a bit secondary school children for a year. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2021/04/school-uniforms-england-cheaper-new-law/
I think the answer to your question is far more damning of uniform costs than Michael Fabricant’s expenses.
Wonderful idea which should be supported by all. We have had quite enough of Sheriff’s rides, tea parties, regalia and palaver to last a lifetime.
@Mrs H. lighten up! No sarcasm there, its a great idea and I will be donating some stationery. Hope you do too!
What an excellent alternative to the ‘great & good’ sipping tea together. A really positive, practical event to help local families struggling to make ends meet. Great work by Mayor Ann and her Labour colleagues on LCC.