Islington councillors have criticised the government after it voted against extending free school meal vouchers last week.
Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz, the council’s deputy leader and executive member for children, young people and families, said: “We’re setting up our own scheme to ensure that no child goes hungry this half term.”
Islington Council is issuing vouchers for statutory free school meals to more than 8,500 eligible children over half-term. All eligible children are able to access these vouchers from their school.
St Mary’s ward Councillor Nurullah Turan said “[I’m] even more proud of Islington Borough Council. This isn’t political, it’s what should happen all over the country. No child should go hungry!”
Cllr Richard Watts, leader of the council, added: “This is about doing the right thing for our children and young people. We know many local families are already facing extreme hardship as a result of the pandemic, and we are determined to give them the support they need.
“Islington Council will not let children go hungry; we are stepping in to plug the gap that’s been left by this failure of national action.”
