West Derby MP to lead Westminster debate on free school meal 'inaccessibility'
More than 100,00 disabled children are unable to access a free school lunch
West Derby MP Ian Byrne will lead a debate in Westminster today as it's revealed that over 100,000 eligible disabled children are missing out on their free school lunch.
Disability charity Contact has found that children with conditions like diabetes, epilepsy and autism are missing out on the equivalent of £570 a year in financial help.
Ian said:
"Over 100,000 eligible disabled children are missing out on their free school lunch, which is truly shocking. Access to food is a basic human right. I want to see universal free school meals, but while we wait for that, we must ensure the current system is fair and equal.
"Disabled children and their families are already more likely to be living in poverty due to the difficulties of juggling care and work. Research shows they have also been disproportionately affected by cost-of-living pressures.
"I was determined to lead this debate to highlight the discrimination that is taking place after meeting an affected constituent. I am calling on the government to update their free school meals guidance. It must be made clear that schools and councils need to provide an alternative, ideally a supermarket voucher, to disabled children who can’t access a free school meal in the regular way. This is a simple fix that could make a big difference."
Research by Contact last year found that 60% of disabled children can't eat their school lunch because of their health condition, dietary requirements or sensory difficulties.
22% are off school because of a long-term condition or illness and 6% go to a school without a canteen.
Natalie Hay set up an online support group after realising that many eligible disabled children were missing out on their free lunch.
Natalie said:
"I am delighted that after three years campaigning, this issue is getting the attention it deserves. Following my legal action on behalf of families across the UK, a positive and equitable outcome is on the horizon for 2000 disabled children missing out on their free school meal. Now we want the same outcome for the tens of thousands of others unfairly missing out on this vital support."
Imogen Steele, policy lead at Contact, said:
"The current free school meals scheme is inaccessible to tens of thousands of eligible disabled children. We are grateful to Ian Byrne MP for championing this issue for affected families up and down the country.
"Almost all affected families say that missing out on school meals increased pressure on their weekly budgets. At a time when grocery bills are sky high, it’s vital that families get all the help they are entitled to without having to fight for it.
"We urge the government to act swiftly and update its free school meals guidance to make clear that local authorities and schools are legally entitled to offer reasonable adjustments to children who can’t have their free school meal in the regular way, such as providing supermarket vouchers."