Councillors are to write to schools in Hartlepool over the cost of uniforms and PE kits after concerns were raised over “excessive” prices.

It comes after councillor Rachel Creevy called for action to be taken to help support families with the cost of school uniforms amid worries around child and family poverty in Hartlepool.

The concerns were raised at the latest meeting of Hartlepool Borough Council’s audit and governance committee on Tuesday, October 17.

Cllr Creevy, De Bruce ward representative, suggested the committee write to schools in the town and ask them to take steps to help make uniforms more affordable.

She added some schools in the town still ask for branded PE kits, which she said was “a bit excessive”.

Councillor Jonathan Brash, chair of the committee, said it was “a very good idea” to contact education sites in the town over the issue.

He added: “I have no problem therefore on behalf of this committee writing to all heads and governing bodies to raise our concerns.”

Penny Thompson, council head of housing, hardship and welfare services, said they do meet with headteachers to directly speak to them about school uniform costs and the impact this has on households.

This included a meeting last week where council officers “took no prisoners”, according to Ms Thompson.

She said: “They all have different reasons as to why they say they charge the prices they do.

“They all also keep telling me though that they’ve all got second hand, recycling, pre-loved schemes in place for school uniforms.”

She added parents tell them “everyday” about issues with the cost of uniforms, while she noted schools also have other support avenues in place for families in need.