The government’s plan to limit the number of compulsory items of school uniforms would be broadly welcomed by Cumbrian parents.

Whilst the exact number of items has yet to be announced, the new education secretary has previously advocated for a maximum of just three mandatory items.

The news has been welcomed by Cumbrian parents who said the sharp rise in the cost-of-living has made buying branded items for school ‘unaffordable’.

“The cost-of-living crisis is making school uniform more expensive and it's shocking,” said Liz Hussein.

“Buying two skirts has just cost me £50 and would normally buy 2 for £8 from the supermarket.”

Her thoughts were echoed by Kerry Clark-Howes who said: “I'm not sure there will be a person who doesn't agree that limiting the number of compulsory school uniform item is a good idea.

“School uniform prices are ridiculous and cause a great amount of unnecessary anxiety amongst parents, guardians and children.”

A pop-up-shop is being organised in the Lanes in Carlisle city centre to help struggling families get cheaper school uniforms.

The initiative is being organised by Carlisle matters and anybody wishing to donate old school uniform can do so through community centres across the city.

Critics of the plans have raised concerns about the level of participation in sport if branded PE kit is fazed out.

“Participation in sports is dropping off,” according to school uniform industry chairman, Matthew Easter.

“If you then add to that the fact that students might be anxious because they do not have the brand that their friends have, I think you'd see a bigger drop off.”

READ MORE: Hundreds of school uniforms given out in Penrith to families

The Department for Education has said it will look at evidence about the impact of fewer branded items and has not announced the number of items to which schools will be limited.

The department did say that the measure will "help reduce costs for parents" and "barriers to children accessing sport.”