Councils in Wales have welcomed the Welsh government’s announcement that free school meals will continue for children from lower income families over the Easter and Whitsun school holidays.
The Welsh government announced that an agreement with Plaid Cymru would mean £9m being provided to offer eligible pupils a free school meal up until the end of May half term holiday including bank holidays. It says nearly one in four children are eligible for free school meals in Wales with numbers rising since the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.
Eligible families will get direct payments, vouchers or lunches provided throughout the holidays. Local councils will decide individually how best to administer the holiday school meal package in their areas.
The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) said many families hit hard by the current cost of living will benefit from the move.
Its education spokesperson Ian Roberts said: ‘I am so proud of the work our councils have done, and will continue to do, to ensure those eligible get this vital support.
‘This is another example of how communities benefit from close co-operation between local and Welsh governments.’
