MIKE Amesbury’s Private Members Bill aimed at reducing the cost of school uniforms has passed a vital hurdle.

The Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Bill, passed its second reading in Parliament on Friday, March 13.

The Bill must now go to a third reading and then to the House of Lords before gaining royal assent.

If it passes every stage, it would become law before the summer and will require schools in England not to rely on a single supplier for their uniforms unless the contract has gone out to tender.

The Bill had already gained cross party support and has won the backing of the government.

Mike Amesbury, Labour MP for Weaver Vale, said: “This is a major step forward and I’d like to thank everyone who supported this bill during its second reading.

“The level of support we’ve received from all sides just goes to show what a serious need there is out there for this important legislation.”

According to research by the Children’s Society, families are spending an average of £337 per year on uniform for each child at secondary school, while parents of primary school children spent £315.

Mike added: “We now turn out attention to the next reading where I hope once again to be able to count on the backing of MPs from all sides of the House.”