James welcomes the government's generous decision to support our most vulnerable children at a difficult time.
During the Covid-19 pandemic James was pleased that the Government encouraged schools to continue providing meals to those who are eligible even if they are not attending school by introducing a free school meal (FSM) voucher scheme. Usually free school meals are provided in term time only and the purpose is to provide healthy meals for children in school. In recognition of the unprecedented situation facing parents this Spring, the Department for Education continued to meet the costs of the voucher scheme to provide free school meals for eligible pupils through the Easter and half term holidays.
James has been discussing the plans for summer with Ministers and other MPs in recent days and was pleased to support the campaign the Marcus Rashford led and many people in North West Norfolk backed.
James, said -
I warmly welcome the new Covid Summer Food Fund which has been announced.
Parents across the country are going through a particularly difficult and stressful time. This decision reflects the unprecedented uncertainty parents and children face and this will provide important support for the most disadvantaged children.
The Fund will provide food vouchers covering the six-week summer holiday period. A one-off six-week voucher will be given to eligible families at the end of term to use in supermarkets. The scheme will not continue beyond the summer, and those eligible will be those who already qualify for free school meals.
Significant wider support has also been made available for children and families throughout this period. On 10 June the Prime Minister confirmed an additional £63 million to be distributed to local authorities in England to help those who are struggling to afford food and other essentials due to COVID-19. In addition, Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit have been uplifted by around £1,000 a year for the next 12 months as part of an injection of over £6.5 billion into the welfare system.
The Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme will also be running this summer at a cost of £9 million, through which will benefit thousands of disadvantaged children. The HAF scheme arranges provision in a range of local settings, including school premises.
Over the next few months, the whole country will be engaging in a national effort to get back on track; this new Fund will be an important contribution to many parents in difficult circumstances.
