In 2023, the Labour cabinet in Flintshire chose not to provide free school meals during holidays after the Labour Welsh Government stopped paying for them. After Liberal Democrats challenged the decision, it was agreed that provision would be put in place for Christmas 2023, and a long term solution would be reached.
In 2023, the Labour cabinet in Flintshire chose not to provide free school meals during holidays after the Labour Welsh Government stopped paying for them.
After Liberal Democrats challenged the decision, it was agreed that provision would be put in place for Christmas 2023, and a long term solution would be reached.
For a second Summer, children in the greatest need in Flintshire face a lack of support, as the cost of living crisis continues to bite. This council cannot and will not allow children to go hungry. The council can afford to make provision for these children, as the cabinet has shown by finding money for other causes and funding pressures which were not included in the budget.
Therefore, this council:
- Instructs the cabinet to draw up plans to provide payments during the school Summer holiday to parents of children eligible for free school meals.
- Requires that the cabinet approves such plans no later than 3 June, to allow them to be implemented in good time.
- Leaves the amount of payment to the cabinet’s discretion, subject to a requirement that it not be less than £50 per eligible child.