'Children are going hungry' - Long-Bailey on delays to free school meals voucher scheme

Rebecca Long-Bailey MP, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, commenting on delays to the free school meals voucher scheme, said:

‘"The Government’s failure to get a grasp on this situation means children are going hungry.

"This is not something that can be the subject of an inquiry in a year’s time, action must be taken now to make sure food reaches all those children and families that need it.

"That action includes making it clear that schools have the flexibility to provide meals in the fastest way locally, outside of the voucher scheme, and will be reimbursed by Government for the cost they incur."

Ends

Notes to editors

• A Schools Week’s investigation today has shown ongoing delays and problems with the free school meals voucher scheme leaving children without food - https://schoolsweek.co.uk/how-the-governments-free-school-meals-voucher-scheme-is-leaving-children-without-food/