Shadow education secretary Kate Green has called for Gavin Williamson to resign over the latest free school meals scandal, saying he “plainly isn’t up to the job”.
There was a public outcry earlier this week when images of boxes containing just £4 or £5 worth of food intended to last a week were shared online.
Labour is increasing pressure on the Government to deliver more support for families while schools and colleges in England are closed to most pupils.
Boris Johnson branded the parcels an insult to the families that had received them, while Home Secretary Priti Patel said they were “unacceptable” and called for action against the company compiling them.
Meal scheme will switch for half-term
The free meal system for school pupils will change over the February half term – as the government tries to balance its books by using a different department’s funding for the food.
In a switchover that has the potential to spark some administration issues, meals for those that need it will continue, but paid for from a different area.
Currently the Department for Education are in charge of providing cash for school meals during the coronavirus outbreak in term-times.
But when half term arrives something called the Covid Winter Grant Scheme, which comes from the DWP, will supply the money. It has £170m of funds.
Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford said he spoke to the Prime Minister about the issues with food hampers and he has been assured that “a full review of the supply chain” is under way.
Rashford – who has been behind a drive to get free school meals to children who need them – had a “good” conversation with Boris Johnson about photos showing poor-quality parcels sent to families.
Just had a good conversation with the Prime Minister. He has assured me that he is committed to correcting the issue with the food hampers and that a full review of the supply chain is taking place. He agrees that images of hampers being shared on Twitter are unacceptable.