Amid reports of secondary school administrations increasing miscellaneous fees, the Jamaica Labour Party has asked educational institutions not to unduly increase these charges.

Some parents have complained that, in comparison to last year, miscellaneous fees - which vary in cost among schools and cover expenses such as Parent Teachers Association, physical education gear and insurance - have increased.

These fees are not covered in the tuition fees, which the incoming government has promised to abolish at the secondary level.

One parent, whose son attends a high school in the Corporate Area, said his child's sixth-form expenses are currently $15,000, much more than what was paid in 2006, inclusive of the school fee.

"I couldn't believe it and them (the school) can't tell me why the increase so high," the parent said.

Complaints

Jamaica Labour Party spokesman on education, Andrew Holness, told The Gleaner that a few complaints regarding an increase in miscellaneous fees at some schools have reached the party.

"(We) presently cannot instruct schools regarding miscellaneous fees, but we are asking the schools not to unduly increase these fees," Mr. Holness said.

"Most schools have been reasonable in regards to miscellaneous fees, but it seems as if a few schools have been increasing their fees."

Mr. Holness noted that, when the party forms the next government, the issue of miscellaneous fees would have to be addressed.

"Clearly a policy will have to be drafted to deal with how those fees are done," he said.