Parents are being forced to choose

Parents are being forced to choose

16 August 2023

A RECENT survey by the Irish League of Credit Unions shows that some parents are forced to choose between feeding their homes, or educating their children.

This resonates with 20 percent of the respondents, and 78 percent feel the financial burden.

The annual school costs survey found that parents can expect to spend £837 per primary school child, a rise of £81 on last year, and £989 per secondary school child, an increase of £163.

Mourne Sinn Fein councillor Leeanne McEvoy expresses her alarm at the findings.

“Workers and families are already struggling with the cost of living, with fuel costs, electricity bills, and mortgage interest rates, and now families are once again faced with soaring back-to-school costs. The cost of school uniforms is the primary expense for families.”

She added: “As well as that, more than half the parents are saying that having children home over the holidays is putting them under added financial pressure, particularly in terms of grocery and utility bill costs. This emphasises the impact the removal of the holiday hunger payment has on disadvantaged households.

“Children, families and our schools need the Assembly and Executive formed now so that parties can work together to protect our public services and progress legislation to help cut back school costs for families.”

“I once again urge the DUP to end its blockade on the Executive and stop holding up this important work.”