Oldham’s Liberal Democrat councillors have backed a campaign calling for free school meals to be extended to all primary school children.
The National Education Union has said that child hunger is an ‘epidemic’ in schools and has published an open letter to the prime minister which says that currently millions of children miss out on a free school meal, with some as young as seven.
Leader of the Liberal Democrats in Oldham councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “Free school meal provision is one of the most effective policies when it comes to tackling child hunger and poverty as well as raising educational achievement. It’s about a fair start in life and peace of mind for struggling families who know their children will be able to focus in class after a nutritious meal.
“Free school meals for infants have been a great success. Teachers and their unions are right to call for the policy to be extended to all primary age children and the Liberal Democrats are joining them.”
Earlier this year it emerged that the government had cut funding for free school meals in Oldham by more than £212,000. Government failure to fund meal provision in line with inflation and the rising cost of food has left schools to plug the gap.
Councillor Sykes said, “The government is giving uncapped bonuses to bankers but won’t properly fund meals for school kids. The Conservatives have shown they have all the wrong priorities. The cuts to free school meals must be reversed immediately so that school budgets aren’t hammered this winter. We must then look to expand the scheme so that every child can benefit.”