16 September 2025

SDLP Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast councillor Paul Doherty has said Education Minister Paul Givan’s School Uniforms Bill will fail families.

He was speaking after the legislation passed consideration stage in the Assembly on Monday.

West Belfast representative Councillor Doherty operates a pre-loved school uniform scheme at ‘Foodstock’ on the Andersonstown Road.

Councillor Doherty said:

“It was wrong for the Education Minister to raise the hopes of families by promising to tackle school uniform costs. What was brought before the Assembly is a fudge that will do little to help families who can’t afford uniforms for their children. Attempts to strengthen this legislation so it would actually make a difference were rejected. Families are sick and tired of empty promises from this Executive.

“Every year I see more parents who simply cannot meet the cost of a school uniform. This problem goes far beyond the uniform itself, with P.E. kits and accessories pushing costs into the hundreds of pounds. For families with multiple children, this becomes an impossible financial burden.

“Over the past few months, Foodstock has helped provide nearly 1,500 children with school uniforms, and demand continues to rise. Parents are coming to us from across Belfast and beyond for help. Without the generosity of this community, many of these families would have nowhere to turn.

“We will continue to step up to ensure every child has access to a school uniform and the education they deserve, but we shouldn’t have to. The Minister had an opportunity to make a real difference and he has failed. The SDLP will keep fighting for changes to the legislation and practical support that genuinely helps families.”