PLANS to encourage the introduction of gender-neutral school uniforms in Halton due to fears over bullying, sexual violence and harassment of girls have moved a step closer.

Councillors have backed a notice of motion by Halton Lea representative Kath Loftus, which means a debate and vote on the issue will be held at a future meeting of Full Council.

Cllr Loftus’s motion followed a report to the authority’s Children, Young People, Families Policy and Performance Board in September, which found 90 per cent of girls and young women in the UK had experienced some sort of sexual violence or harassment during their education.

It also found schools were ‘not being as open as they should be’ about reporting incidents and that when they reported none had occurred, ‘the opposite’ should be assumed as it was a ‘national problem’.

At a subsequent meeting of Full Council, Cllr Loftus called for school girls in the borough to be given the choice of wearing trousers if it made them feel safer.

Her notice of motion called for school governors to discuss the issues raised and report back to the council

It also called for:

  • Better education in schools about the impact of bullying, sexual violence and harassment.
  • For all complaints to be recorded and taken seriously, and for an adult to be assigned to support the victim through the process.
  • For schools to be encouraged to introduce gender neutral uniforms, including gym kits.

Speaking at the meeting at Runcorn Town Hall, Cllr Loftus said gender neutral uniforms would also help families save money.

She said: “We don’t have a generic blazer, boys wear one type, girls wear the other, they can’t be passed down to siblings.”

She added that schools had remained open during Covid because they were regarded as a ‘safe place’, but added: “We don’t know what figures are for Halton and we don’t know how safe or unsafe our schools are for young people.”

Seconding the motion, Cllr Irene Bramwell, told members: “I find it quite astonishing that in 2022 that we’re having to fight for the right for uniforms to be gender neutral.

“Trousers are worn by girls and women of all ages, cultures and beliefs worldwide, yet in the UK, there are still some schools that insist girls must wear skirts only. We all should be asking the question why.”