Consumer watchdog urges schools to keep costs down for parents on  uniforms and devices

Requiring parents to purchase bespoke back-to-school items from exclusive suppliers can stifle competition and drive up the cost for parents, the CCPC said.

Uniforms should be as generic as possible to keep costs down for parents, schools have been told in new guidance recommending against branded uniforms, “bespoke” back-to-school items and exclusive suppliers.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has written to all schools about its concerns back-to-school arrangements could harm competition and increase costs for families.