As the long summer days begin to shorten and children in Macclesfield head back to school, many parents will be feeling the familiar mix of pride, relief, and perhaps just a little anxiety.

There's the excitement of seeing friends again, the nerves about new teachers or new schools, and, of course, the annual ritual of making sure uniforms fit, shoes aren't worn through, and pencil cases are stocked.

For many families, though, this time of year also brings real financial pressures. The cost of school uniforms, especially for growing children, can quickly mount up. I've heard from parents across Macclesfield who are worried about the strain this places on household budgets at a time when everything from food to energy bills has gone up.

That's why I'm proud to be part of a Labour government taking practical steps to ease these pressures. We are committed to bringing down the cost of school uniforms, ensuring that no family feels pushed to breaking point just to send their children to school in the right kit. By making sure schools keep branded items to a minimum and by supporting parents with affordable options, we can make a real difference to family finances while still ensuring children feel part of their school community.

Our commitment to families doesn't stop there. One of the most important parts of a good education is starting the day ready to learn. That's why Labour is rolling out free breakfast clubs in every primary school. I have visited Disley Primary School and Pott Shrigley School, and both are benefiting from the governments free breakfast clubs already. For parents, these clubs mean reassurance that children have had a healthy, filling breakfast before lessons begin. For children, it means arriving in the classroom alert, energised, and ready to thrive. For many working parents, it also means a little extra time in the morning and one less worry about juggling the school run with work commitments.

We also know that the cost of childcare is one of the biggest challenges for parents in Macclesfield and beyond. Too often, families find themselves caught in an impossible situation: wanting to work or take on extra hours, but struggling to find affordable, reliable childcare. That's why Labour has committed to delivering 30 hours of free childcare each week for working parents. This will be life changing and will help parents return to work with confidence, support children's early development, and ease a burden that has weighed heavily on families for too long.

As your MP, I will keep making sure the voices of families here in Macclesfield are heard in Westminster. I know from conversations on the doorstep, at school gates, and in community meetings that parents want the very best for their children. Labour's plans are about supporting that ambition – making life fairer, more affordable, and giving every child the best possible start.

So as children sharpen their pencils and adjust their new uniforms this September, parents can take heart that this government is on their side – working to ease the load and build a brighter future for every family in Macclesfield.

Tim Roca MP

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