Rising cost of living - Back to School Crisis!

Are you struggling with back-to-school costs?

Every year we hear the same stories and cries for help from worried parents trying to ensure their children have everything they need for their return to school.

This year it seems to be hitting harder, with the rising costs of day-to-day living and ever-growing rent rates, we are seeing more and more cases of 'the working poor' come to light.

We are asking, Should Working Parents Get a Tax Break on Back to School Expenses?

Barnardos have recently run a survey of more than 1,000 parents which showd they find themselves under "considerable financial pressure" due to the rising cost of living.

The survey found that the basic cost of sending a child to school in 2022 remains substantial across primary and second level.

The average cost of the basics needed for a fourth-class pupil is €424.

Meanwhile, €814 is required for first-year secondary students and it costs €722 to send fifth-year students back to school.

Over two thirds of primary (69%) and three-quarters of secondary school parents said they were worried about meeting costs this year, the survey found.

The survey showed that 46% of primary and 48% of secondary school parents said recent cost-of-living increases had made it much more difficult to meet costs.

Schools continued to ask parents to buy crested or branded uniforms with 75% of primary and 95% of secondary school parents reporting they are required to do so. Fortunately for many, the government has issued an extra €100 payment to those eligible for the Back To School Allowance -

They said: "no parent should face financial pressure in trying to meet what are essential costs for their children's education and no child should feel any anxiety about their parents' ability to meet school costs"

The Department of Social Protection said it provided targeted supports to families with school-going children, namely the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance and the School Meals scheme, both of which had been increased for the upcoming school year.

It added that the Government was continuing to "monitor the situation carefully" in preparation for the Budget later this year.

However, this does little to assist those who are not eligible for the payment - As highlighted by Sinn Féin spokesperson on education, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire who says:

“Middle-income families need help this summer, they can’t wait. People who have one child in school and who have a combined income of €620 or more per week don’t get any assistance in terms of back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance"

It is no wonder that many families feel that although back-to-school costs have always been an issue, the current government is 'out of touch when it comes to the realities of raising a family in Ireland at the moment, one mother who spoke to RTE this week has highlighted the lack of public transport in her area and her need to keep a car on the road -

"They can't cycle or walk to school, I have to keep a car on the road and it's the same for an awful lot of people, even in this area, I see people transporting kids to secondary schools which could be 20 miles away or 25 miles away, and that's a huge cost for people throughout the year."

She is also expecting the rising price of food to impact school lunches this year. She predicts that they will rise from between €20 and €30 to €50.

Surely, we are all noticing these rising costs in the supermarkets and forecourts and the difficulties in taking from one pot to fill another - to help out in the only way we can, we have put together some helpful tips and links below for anyone who may need them!

MABS:

Managing money

 Taking the time to manage your money better can really pay off. It can help you stay on top of your bills and save money each year. You can use these extra savings to pay off any debts you might have or put them towards your future plans.

Using a budget can help you plan where your money should be going. But it’s also really important to track where your money actually goes. Use our My Budget tool to get a handle on how your money comes in and goes out. Then use our money management tips to see how you can make your money go further.

Check out Mabs Managing Money: https://mabs.ie/managing-money/

HSE

Feeling low or anxious is a normal response when you are struggling with debt. You may be feeling, behaving, or thinking in ways that are unfamiliar. But that doesn't mean you're suffering from depression or have an anxiety disorder.

The HSE has some tips on Surviving Financial Stress - Click Here to view

CITIZENS INFORMATION

Citizens Information is a good place to get information about benefits and how to deal with debt. You can also find out what you're entitled to if you're made redundant. They will also tell you who to speak to if you're at risk of losing your home.

SOCIETY OF SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL

The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) is an international Christian voluntary membership organisation offering help to those in need - They are one of Ireland's best known and most widely supported organisations of social concern and action with over 11,500 volunteers active in every county in Ireland. 

Click Here to visit their website and request assistance if needed!

Original RTE Article Click Here View Barnardos Cost Of Living Crisis Survey Here