Children could miss out on over 50 million meals this summer Labour analysis shows, as evidence shows the Conservatives holiday programme is failing to reach families eligible for support.
The Government’s holiday programme for children eligible for free school meals provides meals to children who attend associated activities, but their evaluation programme shows just 29% of eligible children attended last summer, and for just under 10 of the 30 summer weekdays.
Labour’s Shadow Schools Minister, Stephen Morgan MP said the failure to get support to children this summer was yet another example of a government on standby, while the Conservatives focus on fighting one another not tackling the challenges families are facing.
Labour is calling on the Government to trust parents and enable a system of cash payments for free school meals this summer, so families get the full value of this support and can choose the food and supplies they need in face of spiralling prices.
Stephen Morgan MP, Labour’s Shadow Schools Minister, said
“As the Conservatives focus on fighting one another, Labour is determined to see families supported throughout this cost of living crisis.
“This summer, Labour would ensure children get the full value of free school meals support so parents can choose the food and supplies they need, helping them battle rising prices.
“After twelve years of Conservative governments, people have less money to spend and our country is less resilient. Labour will reboot our economy, get it growing again to ensure families across Britain are better off.”
