Rising school costs strain families in Lower Austria

School supplies have become more expensive, placing a financial burden on many families, ORF reported. Prices rose by between 0.6 and 21.2 percent in retail chains compared with last year, according to the Lower Austrian Chamber of Labour. Prices at specialist retailers increased by up to 2.4 percent.

The city centre of St. Pölten was busy during the final week of the school holidays as parents and children bought supplies before the start of term.

One mother told noe.ORF.at that school items had become “considerably more expensive”. She spent 200 euros this year, but said many items were not included because the family could reuse supplies from the previous year.

A father whose son is starting school this year said he had spent 600 euros. He said the cost was not a major problem for him because he earned a good income, but added that it was certainly a financial burden for people who earned less.

Prices vary widely

The cost of school supplies differs not only from last year but also between shops, according to a price survey by the Lower Austrian Chamber of Labour. Filled schoolbags cost between about 80 euros and more than 200 euros. Paint boxes ranged from seven to 13 euros, while sets of wax crayons cost between eight and 11 euros.

The Chamber of Labour advises consumers to compare prices and check the contents of filled schoolbags and pencil cases carefully. Children and teenagers may not need every item included in them. Refillable products are often cheaper in the long term, it said.

Support available

For families that still cannot afford the necessary supplies, Soogut social markets collected new or nearly new donated items for the start of school at all their locations in Lower Austria, Tyrol and Burgenland. Around 390 schoolchildren were able to receive new supplies, Soogut told noe.ORF.at.

Caritas also offers help through its social counselling services. Tamara Majnek, head of domestic aid, advocacy and asylum services at Caritas St. Pölten, said families could seek advice online, by telephone or in person. Caritas assesses individual needs and emergencies and can provide specific assistance, including help with school or education costs.

Donated school supplies are also sold at lower prices in Caritas Carla shops. Majnek urged families not to delay seeking help, saying support was available.