Barnsley Council has announced plans to significantly restrict its cost-of-living support scheme, which provided school uniforms and study materials to families. The council's current programme, implemented in 2025/26 with £2.8 million in investment, issued uniform vouchers to over 33,000 children and provided study packs to year 11 students. Under the revised 2026/27 proposal, support would be limited to children in transition years entering reception and year seven, whilst year 11 study packs would be discontinued entirely, reducing annual funding from £2.5 million to £430,000.

The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from multiple opposition parties. Labour councillors argue the scheme was fully funded and question the council's priorities, whilst Liberal Democrats and Greens contend the cuts abandon the poorest families precisely when they need support. The decision reflects broader disagreements over public spending priorities, with critics suggesting the reduction contradicts the council's stated commitment to ensuring children attend school regularly. The council's cabinet is scheduled to formally discuss the proposal at a meeting on 15 July 2026.