End of infant dinners ‘massive step back’

Howard Sykes.

OLDHAM’S Lib-Dem leader says Oldham would take a “massive backward step” if the Government scrapped free school meals for infant pupils.

Unions believe Chancellor George Osborne is set to announce the cut in November. Currently all four to seven-year-olds at infant school get free dinners regardless of family income.

Liberal Democrat leader Councillor Howard Sykes said: “This was a Lib-Dem achievement when in government. It makes a real difference to the life chances of young children. This will be a massive backward step and hit places like Oldham particularly hard.

“We already have serious issues with educational achievement in the borough this will just make things worse.” Free meals save parents up to £400 a year for each child.

GMB, the union for school support staff, is against the cut and has vowed to pressure the Government to reverse the decision should it happen.