Local LibDems call on North Somerset to step up on free school meals

As North Somerset's Tory MPs betray our most vulnerable families, LibDems call on Council to act

North Somerset LibDems have today called on North Somerset Council to take action to support the 3,500 children let down by the Tory government's callous decision not to extend free school meals throughout the holidays.

Local authorities across the country have stepped up ensure that vulnerable children do not suffer from this Tory failure. LibDem Councillors are calling on North Somerset Council leaders to explore all options to make sure to ensure no child in North Somerset goes hungry over the holiday periods or at any other time.

Cllr Patrick Keating, LibDem Parliamentary Spokesperson for Weston and the Villages said:

"It is an absolute travesty for children to go hungry on any day of the year. Yet Weston's Tory MP has voted against providing free school meals to children at risk of going hungry through the school holidays.

As a progressive Council, North Somerset needs to act to support our most vulnerable families."

Leader of the North Somerset Liberal Democrat Group Cllr Mike Bell said:

"I am appalled at the Government's recent decision not to extend the free school meal provision for the upcoming holidays. I am working with my Executive colleagues to see how we might be able to provide support for these children through school holidays whilst COVID lasts."

Liberal Democrats nationwide are fighting to make child hunger a thing of the past and are calling for:

• Free school meals to every pupil whose parents or guardians are in receipt of Universal Credit
• Food vouchers for every one of those pupils in every school holiday and during any period of lockdown
• Free school meals to pupils from low-income families whose parents or guardians have no recourse to public funds and destitute asylum seekers

LibDems across the country are keeping up the fight to ensure no child goes hungry. If you agree with us, sign up to support our campaign: https://www.libdems.org.uk/meals