Derry Credit Union offers help to local parents struggling with uniform costs following funding cut

By Alan Healy

The Derry Credit Union has said it will offer help to parents struggling with the rising costs of school uniforms following the announcement of a major funding cut.

The move comes after it emerged earlier this month that Education Authority (EA) said that it had been instructed by Department of Education had instructed them to cut the amount spent on school uniform grants by £3m.

That would mean only £1.9m is available in 2017/18, compared to £4.9m in 2016/17.

The money is given to low income families to help pay for school uniforms, with the reduction in funding expected to impact on the 98,000 pupils who benefit from the grant.

Research carried out by the Irish League of Credit Unions in 2015 found that 71per cent of parents felt school associated costs were a financial burden, with 17 per cent saying they would have to sacrifice spending on food in order to cover the costs.

In addition, six in ten also admitted that they would have to sacrifice other household items in order to buy school necessities with over a quarter of parents found themselves in debt and were borrowing an average of £320.

Speaking about the recent announcement by the Education Authority on proposed cuts to the Uniform Grant, and what Derry Credit Union can do to help cover school costs, Alfie Bradley, President of Derry Credit Union said.

“It’s not a surprise that so many parents find themselves in debt trying to cover school related expenses each year,” he said.

“In light of the recent announcement by the Education Authority, we would encourage families in the Derry area who reply upon the uniform grant to come in and talk to us about possible options.

“If they feel they might be in need of a little extra financial assistance, we are here to help with that - however small the amount.

“We would urge parents to shop around for value, both in their local shops and online to see where they can get the best deals.

“If you need a loan, pop in to see us at Derry Credit Union and we will be happy to chat through all your options with you.”

The Derry Credit Union is also offering £100 to one lucky winner and another £100 to a friend to help pay for school uniforms and shoes, PE kits and schoolbags, books or fitting out a room in halls.

To enter, simply like the competition post on Derry Credit Union’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/derrycu and tag a friend in the comments.

Competition closes at midnight, Monday, July 31.

The winner will be chosen at random and notified later that week.