MORE than 14,000 families in Barnsley are struggling to keep up with spiralling school costs.
A report by the Children's Commission on poverty found parents in Barnsley are spending £18.3m a year on school essentials for their children - including meals, uniforms, sports kits, materials and stationery clubs, activities and trips.
Coun Tim Cheetham, spokesman for education, said some schools would provide school uniforms for the most hard-up families.
He added: "People don't like asking for help. But if parents are struggling, they should have a quiet word with someone at school. Most schools have something in place, hardship funds for people who are in real difficulty."
** The full report is in the Barnsley Chronicle newspaper, dated November 7. **
