Oldham Liberal Democrats welcome extension of Free School Meals and push Oldham Council to go further

After pressure from children’s charities and Liberal Democrats in Parliament, the government has announced an extension of Free School Meals to all children whose parents claim universal credit.

Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “This is extremely welcome news and something Liberal Democrats have been campaigning for.

“The change will improve children's nutrition, performance in school, and help families struggling in the cost-of-living crisis.”

Now Oldham Liberal Democrats are pushing for Oldham Council to auto-enrol all children who are eligible for Free School Meals.  A move which has helped other councils around the country to support thousands more children with a free meal at lunchtime.

Councillor Sykes said, “Oldham Council could support many more families by auto-enrolling all eligible children.  We shouldn’t be leaving it for busy parents to apply. Children are losing out because sometimes families don’t realise they are eligible.  Oldham Council could solve this problem by just enrolling every child that qualifies for Free School Meals.”