Food Security and Poverty Lockdown 2021-01-21
2021-01-21
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
During the January 2021 covid-19 lockdown, many families faced food poverty and insecurity. The questioner seeks details on discussions with Cabinet colleagues to address this issue.
What discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on tackling food poverty and insecurity during the January 2021 covid-19 lockdown?
The Government have put in place a winter package to support economically vulnerable households. This includes £170 million covid-19 winter support grant for local authorities to help with food and other costs, and £16 million of funding for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to assist charities with food redistribution.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Over the past five years, there has been a significant rise in food bank usage by families experiencing food insecurity. Despite this, the government decided not to extend free school meals during the February half-term break.
Millions of families have experienced food insecurity over the last five years, leading to a 74% increase in food bank usage. However, the Government are refusing once again to extend free school meals over the February half-term holiday period. What assurances can he give that every child entitled to free school meals, including those with parents having no recourse to public funds restrictions, will receive their meals?
The Government have not extended free school meals over the February half-term period. However, they announced a range of other interventions such as the holiday activities and food scheme and grants for local authorities to assist those in need.
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Assessment & feedback
Extending free school meals during the February half-term break was not addressed directly; instead, alternatives were provided.
Announced A Range Of Other Interventions
Response accuracy