// BBC BUSINESS NEWS — FINANZA
New school uniform rules won't cut costs, says mum
Michaela Wilson said she has "no idea why schools don't just sell iron-on branded badges"
A mum who set up a school uniform exchange to help people struggling with the cost of schoolwear has said she is not convinced a new law, aimed at saving money spent on uniform, will prove effective.
From September, schools in England will be limited to three branded items of uniform - such as a blazer, jumper or sportswear - plus a tie, which the government hopes will reduce costs.
Michaela Wilson launched the Pendle In And Out Of School Clothes Project in Colne, Lancashire four years ago, after she realised just the purchase of her son's PE kit would cost £128.
She calls the new law "just a rough move to placate people", and has "no idea why schools don't just sell iron-on branded badges".
Michaela Wilson set up the project in Colne four years ago
"Schools could just say, 'you need a black jogging suit for PE' - and parents could buy a badge, iron it on, and there you go," she told BBC Radio Lancashire on Monday.
She said: "Children don't want to pick one, or three items, for their school uniform - they want everything the same as their friends.
"They're going to want all of it matching. So when they go to school, it's not going to be just the three branded things, you're going to have to fork out for the full items.
"They want the full rugby kit if they're playing rugby, they need the football boots, they need the branded football socks if they're playing in the team - and it all adds up.