The Lib Dem proposal that could help hundreds more children access a Free School Meal in Trafford

Liberal Democrat councillors in Trafford will set out a plan this week (16/07) that could help hundreds more children access a Free School Meal at lunchtime. 

The motion – submitted by Trafford Liberal Democrat Group Leader Councillor Shaun Ennis – aims to ‘auto-enrol’ all children who are eligible for Free School Meals instead of leaving it to families to apply. 

Councillor Ennis, who represents Timperley, said, “A free, nutritious meal at lunchtime is one of the best tools in our arsenal when we’re trying to give children the best possible start in life.  A good lunch is proven to help children focus in class, proven to improve academic performance; and proven to provide many mental and physical health benefits.”

“The problem is, after a child leaves infants, it’s left to families to apply for Free School Meals, even if we know they’re eligible.  This is what the Liberal Democrats want to change.  Families are busy enough.  The principle should be, if your child is eligible, they get their Free School Meal automatically.  No jumping through hoops, no red tape, no stigma.”

Ennis’s Liberal Democrat Group will bring forward a vote at this weeks’ Full Council Meeting on whether or not Trafford should auto-enrol all eligible pupils. 

Speaking ahead of the meeting Councillor Ennis said, “Free School Meals are funded through the Department for Education, so passing our Lib Dem proposal doesn’t take any money away from other local services.  This is about families in Trafford getting what they’re already entitled to.  Families that want to opt out will of course be able to do so, but all the data from other councils who have done this shows that we could really help hundreds more children and their families.”

“I’m also optimistic that our proposals will save schools money too.  Many schools in Trafford send out reminder letters to help eligible families apply.  This is an added burden that schools shouldn’t have to face at a time when the cost of heating school buildings and buying classroom supplies has soared.  So we can help school budgets at the same time as family budgets too.  This is one way that local government really can make a powerful difference.”

Full agenda with text of Liberal Democrat motion via link below -

https://democratic.trafford.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=122&MId=4058&Ver=4