LGA responds to free school meals announcement

Responding to the Government’s announcement to extend the free school meals voucher scheme over the summer holidays, Cllr Judith Blake, Chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board, said:

“No young person should have to go hungry and ensuring vulnerable pupils, including those on free school meals and with special educational needs and disabilities, are provided for is a top priority for councils and schools.

“We are therefore pleased that the Government has committed to provide this lifeline for many families across the country which will ensure that vulnerable children will not go hungry over the summer holidays.

“The coronavirus pandemic has shown that listening and working together can lead to policies that have positive outcomes for our most vulnerable communities, including children and young people from low-income families.

“There are an estimated 1.3 million young people entitled to free school meals, and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic has meant that many more families have signed up to benefits.

“Councils have done an excellent job supporting their communities during the coronavirus pandemic and will continue to work with schools, families and the Government to ensure that children and young people receive the support they need.”