William Eichler 21 June 2022

Mayor Khan calls for universal free school meals

Mayor Khan calls for universal free school meals image
Image: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has urged the Government to extend provision of healthy free school meals to all primary school children to help with the 'perilous economic times'.

According to official Government figures, the proportion of all pupils eligible for free school meals increased over the last 12 months from 20.8% in January 2021 to 22.5% in the same month this year.

Schools currently receive £2.34 per meal for infant children. If the funding allocation had risen with inflation each year, it would have been worth £2.57 in 2021/22.

A number of local authorities in London already provide free healthy school meals for all primary school pupils in their areas.

Mayor Khan is now urging the Government to provide the funding for this to be universal during term-time with free meal vouchers available for those in most need during the school holidays.

‘Free school meals were something my family relied upon – and every child in London deserves that safety net,’ he said.

‘With the summer holidays on the horizon it is essential that the Government act now to reinstate the meal voucher system to give families dignity and nutritional choice over the summer. This should then be followed by the introduction of universal free school meals for all primary school children from the start of the new school year in September.

‘Multiple London councils are already leading the way on this and showing what can be done if we put the health and wellbeing of our young people first in such perilous economic times. It is time for the Government to step up.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Housing

North West Leicestershire District Council
£64,241 to £74,525 (plus car allowance)
We are currently seeking a new Head of Housing to lead a number of key service areas Leicestershire
Recuriter: North West Leicestershire District Council

Director of People

Bolton Cares
£80,287 – subject to skills and experience
Bolton Cares is on an exciting journey of transformation and growth and we’re looking for a dynamic, people-focused leader to help shape our future. Bolton, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Bolton Cares

Director of Finance (Strategy) – deputy S151

Nottingham City Council
up to £125k
Nottingham is a bold, vibrant, and exciting Core City at the heart of the UK, alive with potential and ambition. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Adult Learning Tutor Maths WMF2142e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£35,235.00 - £36,124.00 (pro rata)
We are looking for an inspirational tutor to deliver maths courses to our learners across Carlisle. Carlisle, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Adult Learning Tutor ESOL English WMF2144e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£35,235 - £36,124 (pro rata)
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual with experience of teaching ESOL. Whitehaven, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council
Linkedin Banner