Lib-Dems press case for free school meals

EXTENDING free school meals to all primary school pupils would be an “investment in our children’s future”, an Oldham Lib-Dem councillor argues.

Councillor Garth Harkness, shadow cabinet member for education and skills, is tabling a motion at tomorrow’s meeting of Oldham Council asking the authority to back him in seeking a free school meal for an extra 10,000 Oldham school children aged eight-11.

Currently there are 13,100 pupils in this age bracket, but only 3,000 are eligible for a free meal.

He said: “The council meeting falls during National School Meals week, when we have the opportunity to celebrate the excellent school meals that our borough’s children receive, the contribution these meals make to their education, health and well-being, and the commendable work of all of the staff involved.”

Universal free school meals were introduced for reception and year one and two pupils in September 2014 on the urging of then deputy PM Nick Clegg.

Councillor Harkness, who represents Saddleworth North, said: “The Oldham Liberal Democrats now want to see free school meals extended to all primary age pupils as an investment in our children’s future.”