Advertisement

  1. National

Critics attack free meals cost

Concerns are being raised about the Government's ability to afford a £1 billion giveaway handing all children under eight free school meals alongside a likely tax break for married couples.

View all 15 updates ›

Free meals will 'make a real difference for children'

A leading children's charity has welcomed the Government's plans to give all infant school children in England free school meals, saying it will "make a real difference for children" and financially stretched families.

The Chief Executive at 4Children, Anne Longfield OBE, said:

This is a welcome announcement which is likely to be popular with parents and make a real difference for children. From what we have heard, it has the makings of the kind of policy that parents are looking for from all political parties, understanding the importance of nutritious healthy food and recognising the financial pressure families are under.

Regular, nutritious meals are crucial in supporting the healthy development of children. Importantly, helping in this way should provide some welcome relief to the finances of those families with young children who we know have been hit hard by the economic downturn.

  1. Read more
  2. 15 updates
Critics attack free meals cost

More on this story