It is a well documented fact that school uniform plays an important part in ensuring children feel included.  The Government recently set out guidelines to schools to ensure uniform is affordable for all (reference the Education Act). However, some parents are unaware that VAT (at 20%) is added to uniform from certain sizes.  This includes sizes from, 38/40in chest, 30in waist, size 5 shoes, 52in ties, 14Hin collar and most school accessories including school bags. This is unfair on families who have children that are 'big for their age', in fact it's just plain unfair when uniform is a requirement for most schools.

I feel, and I'm guessing most parents would agree, that if an item of clothing is unquestionably part of a school uniform, for example, decorated with a school badge, it should be exempt from VAT, regardless of size.  Not only would this help parents, it would also help school outfitters, who are typically small, family run businesses, to keep prices down and affordable to all.

Therefore, I call on the Government to remove VAT from all items that clearly form part of a school uniform.