Newham Mayor calls on Government to 'think again' on free school meals

Published by Jon Land for 24dash.com in Local Government and also in Education

Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales has called Government plans to scrap a proposed extension to free school meals pilots for primary pupils "short-sighted".

Responding to education secretary Michael Gove’s intention to axe future pilot schemes, Sir Robin has called upon the coalition to think again.

He said: “Our pilot means we can make a huge difference to the lives of our pupils and our families, particularly those working hard but struggling to pay basic bills – and get some of the most deprived young people in the country healthy.

“This is a great way of both putting money in their pockets and of improving children’s health and fitness.”

Newham’s pilot scheme has gone from strength-to-strength since it began in September last year.

Almost four out of every five children now eat free school meals, which encourages children to eat more healthily, and tackles obesity and child poverty by putting more money in families’ pockets.

Sir Robin added: “It is of huge benefit to people on low incomes but who were not covered under the previous scheme.

"Research by the School Food Trust has shown that families with two children could save more than £1,000 per school year by joining the scheme, having a real impact on household incomes.

"That’s why I’m urging the Government to think again.”