7 September 2010 – A new national survey has shown the increased spending that parents have are experiencing for the new school year. New clothing, school trips, accessories and activities cost families upwards of £1000 per child. The added pressures parents are facing are related to the child's need for designer label clothing.

Over 600 people across the UK took the survey in the months leading up to the new school year, by DiscountVouchers.co.uk a new money saving website.

More than half of the participants of the survey suggested they felt pressured to buy their children designer shoes or accessories. 25% of the parents bought the items because they didn't want their child to miss out compared to their classmates. 10% of the families said that they felt their child would be bullied if they didn't have the designer named clothing.

It is twice as likely that mothers will feel pressured into buying the items rather than the fathers. They were also more worried about the child being bullied if they do not have them. Only 10% of schools do not permit designer brands to be allowed.

A spokesperson from DiscountVouchers.co.uk, Simon Terry said, “Parents find the mounting costs of the child returning to school incredible, especially as money is tight for many of them. It is worrying that bullying can occur from those not having famous brand names, and that is a big issue here”.

Results of the survey showed that parents spent up to £500 on equipment and new school clothing, and up to £500 on school activities and trips such as swimming lessons and music. 10% of families spent up to £1000 on additional activities, while 3% spend more than £1000 on these items.

For the 2010/11 school year, 90% of parents have bought new school uniforms for their children, 75% had bought new sports clothing, 65% have added new school bags, stationery and new coats to their budget while 21% have paid out for new sport equipment. The amount of children who have been bought a new mobile phone for the new school year is 1 in 12.

Half of the survey participants have bought their children different uniforms for winter and summer, which adds to the spending.

Although many parents have had less money to spend this year, 62% said they would never allow their children to go to school in a second hand uniform.

Terry also said, “Many families are experiencing difficulties from rising fuel costs and pay freezes, making them have less disposable income, and have started to look at how to save money. A good way to make cuts and save some money is to use money off vouchers and shop around.”

To find out more about it, visit www.discountvouchers.co.uk

Media contact –

Rachel Builder & Jenny White

Context

rachel.builder@contextpr.co.uk

jenny.white@contextpr.co.uk

T: 01625 511966

About DiscountVouchers.co.uk

DiscountVouchers.co.uk features the latest money saving offers from a growing range of retailers, all updated in real time. Designed to help consumers save money with both leading high street brands and specialist retailers, DiscountVouchers.co.uk offers one of the widest choices of discounts available.

Part of ASAP Ventures Ltd, the company behind the award winning Carrentals.co.uk price comparison site, DiscountVouchers.co.uk is committed to offering a growing range of the best savings available online.

For more information visit www.discountvouchers.co.uk