Smarter Uniforms, the second-hand school uniform service for Brighton and Hove, said schools can require no more than three branded uniform items under legislation coming into force this year – or four if one is a tie, in secondary schools. The changes are designed to reduce costs for families and cut clothing waste by promoting generic, widely available schoolwear. Some schools are already adjusting their policies to cut branded items and improve affordability, and Smarter Uniforms is encouraging all schools to follow suit and allow old, second-hand items as part of their official policy. A parent from Whitehawk, Beth, said: "The recent change to national school uniform legislation is a brilliantly positive step toward making schools accessible to all economic backgrounds. Smarter Uniforms also encouraged parents to keep uniforms in use through its Marketplace app, which lets families buy, sell, or request second-hand items at low cost.