The support offered was part of the council’s £2.8m Great Childhoods Ambition and aimed to help remove barriers to school attendance while saving families money.
The vouchers can be used for branded uniform or unbranded clothes in line with the school’s uniform policy.
Support packs include essential study equipment, revision resources and wellbeing support.
In a report, the council said the standardised support packs “did not provide best value” as schools and pupils had different needs.
Under the new plans, the council said about 5,500 children were expected to benefit each year, with vouchers of £50 for primary pupils and £100 for secondary pupils.
James Higginbottom, leader of Barnsley Labour, estimated about 28,000 families would miss out.
“The school uniform grant scheme was fully funded for the 2026/27 academic year, as part of Barnsley Labour’s balanced budget,” he wrote on social media.
“To remove it now shows us exactly what Reform’s priorities are: taking away vital cost of living support for thousands of Barnsley families.”
Barnsley Liberal Democrats said the plans would hit the poorest families hardest, while Barnsley Green Party said reducing the support would “undermine” the council’s aim of improving school attendance., external
“Children grow every year. They need uniforms every year,” the Green Party said.
“We urge the council to do the right thing: support our 33,000 local children to get the education they deserve.”
