Government U-turn as children on free school meals will receive summer holidays support

Families of children entitled to free school meals will now be able to claim vouchers to help put food on the table over the summer, in a Government U-turn.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman this morning announced the Covid Summer Food Fund after the Government came under pressure from England footballer Marcus Rashford as well as Tory backbenchers.

Mr Rashford had appealed to the PM directly in an open letter to allow vulnerable children who have been getting free meals during the coronavirus lockdown to carry on receiving them over the summer holidays.

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It had been reported the Government would stand against the move in the Commons today before the announcement was made.

England footballer Marcus Rashford led the campaign. Photo: PAEngland footballer Marcus Rashford led the campaign. Photo: PA
England footballer Marcus Rashford led the campaign. Photo: PA

The scheme will get £120m of new funding to reach the 1.3m pupils who are entitled to free school meals. Families will be able to use vouchers worth £15 a week until the end of the summer break.

The PM’s spokesman said: “Owing to the coronavirus pandemic the Prime Minister fully understands that children and parents face an entirely unprecedented situation over the summer.

“To reflect this we will be providing a Covid Summer Food Fund.

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“This will provide food vouchers covering the six-week holiday period.

“This is a specific measure to reflect the unique circumstances of the pandemic.

“The scheme will not continue beyond the summer and those eligible will be those who already qualify for free school meals.”

Tory MP for Colne Valley Jason McCartney had joined Conservative rebels in supporting Mr Rashford’s proposals before the announcement.

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He tweeted: “You’re so right Marcus, this isn’t about politics, these are exceptional times and we need to put party rivalries to one side to do the right thing for vulnerable children and families who need extra support now and through the summer.”

It is understood payment will be through a one-off six week voucher given to eligible families at the end of term to use in supermarkets.

The PM’s spokesman said: “It’s our intention to get all pupils back into school in September.”

Referring to Mr Rashford, he said: “The PM welcomes his contribution to the debate around poverty and respects the fact that he has been using his profile as a leading sportsman to highlight important issues.”

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The England forward tweeted: “I don’t even know what to say. Just look at what we can do when we come together, THIS is England in 2020.”

Rebecca Long Bailey, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, said: “This is a welcome U-turn from the Government and a victory for the 1.3m children who were at risk of going hungry this summer.

“It is thanks to the amazing work of Marcus Rashford and campaigners that the Government has had no choice but to reverse their decision.

“The Government must now confirm that this new money will be for the direct provision of free school meals to all eligible children.”

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