Another downside of being switched to universal credit...

[FuckASilverLining]

I am on ESA and once a year in July I take out a budgeting loan of £812 to pay for my kids uniforms. The amount is paid back fully through deductions in future payments but it's zero percent interest and the only was I can get a bulk amount to cover all school expenses.

If you get moved to universal credid you can no longer get a budgeting loan.

Yet another reason I'm terrified of getting the letter saying I'm being moved over.

People comparing what they spend on primary school uniform to what the OP spends on high school uniform are really being fair to her.

Over size 5 for girls and 7 for boys, shoes attract VAT. High school children are like to be walking further to school in these shoes too. IME, supermarket shoes and Clark’s outlet shoes last a very short time. Adult size school shoes with VAT can easily cost £50+.

Our local high school uniform cost around £300. Everything logo’ed. 2 suppliers, but sane price at both. It’s nit great quality fir handing down/buying second hand. I can easily see how she is spending £800 on uniform every year.

If your kids are on free school meals they should also get a uniform voucher.

Not true for every school though is it! my childrens school dont do it because I asked!