SVP warn of mounting back-to-school financial pressure

Calls for help with school costs are up 10% compared to previous years, the charity reported, as they are receiving almost 300 calls a day from worried parents.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul called on the Government to “to prioritise investment in measures to address educational disadvantage” in a statement August 26.

Marcella Stakem, SVP Research and Policy Officer said; “We are keenly aware that the inequalities that existed before the pandemic in the education system remain and, in many cases, have worsened.

“In this year’s pre-budget submission, we are asking Government to prioritise investment in measures to address educational disadvantage and rising school costs.”

Many of the calls relate to requests for financial help with parental contributions, schoolbooks, digital equipment, and help with the cost of school uniforms.

The SVP are particularly concerned about the number of calls they are receiving from worried parents in relation to the cost of iPads and tablets.