School Meals Impact of Inflation 2023-05-09
2023-05-09
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns over the impact of rising costs and inflation on school meal provision.
What recent discussions has the Secretary of State for Education had with the government regarding the potential impact of inflation on school meals? The current funding increase is just 11p since the rollout of free school meals in 2014, which does not reflect soaring food costs. This shortfall forces schools to cut teaching budgets.
The Chancellor regularly discusses a range of issues with Cabinet colleagues, including an additional £2.3 billion for schools in 2022-23 and 2023-24, bringing total funding to £58.8 billion next year, surpassing 2010 levels in real terms. The free school meals policy supports around 1.9 million pupils; however, the Government acknowledges economic pressures and provided additional funds last autumn.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific request for extra funding was not addressed with a concrete commitment or figure
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Since the rollout of universal infant free school meals in 2014, funding has increased by only 11p, leading to significant shortfalls. The shortfall ranges from 11p per meal in Richmond upon Thames to 39p per meal in Hampshire.
Given the soaring food costs, the funding for free school meals has increased by just 11p since 2014. This results in a real shortfall that schools must subsidise by cutting teaching budgets. Will the Treasury provide extra cash to reflect true costs or will the Minister continue short-changing our schools and children?
The analysis provided by the Liberal Democrats is not agreed with; the free school meal funding was set according to precedent, using inflation forecasts. The policy currently supports around 1.9 million pupils at lunchtime and 1.25 million infants universally. Economic pressures are acknowledged, hence additional funds were given in last autumn's statement.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific request for extra funding was not directly addressed with a commitment
Response accuracy