Hampshire County Council pressing Government for cost-of-living support for families
They're calling for a review of eligibility to free school meals
Hampshire County Council is seeking more support from the Government to aid families with school-age children as living costs escalate.
A motion was passed at a recent AGM acknowledging the impact of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, with particular emphasis on school meals and children’s uniforms.
Council leader, Cllr Rob Humby has planned a letter to the Minister of State for Education, pressing for a review of the national eligibility criteria for free school meals, with Hampshire MP’s called to lobby the Government on this issue.
Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Steve Forster, said: “We have continually stressed to Government the need for adequate funding to support the provision of healthy school meals.
He added: “The current level of school meal funding does not cover the full costs of providing a high-quality, nutritiously balanced meal for children, which is putting pressure on schools to make up the shortfall.
Cllr Forster continued: “While ongoing efforts are made to keep costs low, we are clear that the nutritional quality or portion size of meals should not be compromised, as doing so would adversely affect children, particularly those from low-income households who rely on a school dinner.”
Schools in Hampshire are responsible for their own uniform policies, and the County Council have reminded schools of their statutory guidance to keep uniform costs down.
This includes minimising the need for branded items and ensuring clothing is available from suppliers who have proven their value for money.