Press Statement on delay to public consultation on Free School Meals and Uniform Grants
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Following notification from the Department of Education that the public consultation on options to allow more pupils to access support through Free School Meals and the Uniform Grant Scheme will be delayed, Pauline Leeson, Chief Executive of Children in Northern Ireland said:
“The decision to delay this public consultation is unacceptable and will only prolong the hardship of those children, young people and families who should have access to Free School Meals and Uniform Grants.
“It is difficult to understand the rationale for the delay, given that other government departments are moving ahead with public consultations on a range of areas that include significant policy reform proposals.
“In the context of harmful budget cuts, such as the end of the School Holiday Food Grant, and the immense financial strain on families struggling with inflation and cost-of-living pressures, widening access to these supports is absolutely critical and should be prioritised.
“We would strongly urge the Department of Education to proceed with the public consultation, in order to gather views and evidence, so that we can make Free School Meals and Uniform Grants available to all children, young people and families that need support as soon as possible.”
ENDS
Press Statement on delay to public consultation on Free School Meals and Uniform Grants
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Following notification from the Department of Education that the public consultation on options to allow more pupils to access support through Free School Meals and the Uniform Grant Scheme will be delayed, Pauline Leeson, Chief Executive of Children in Northern Ireland said:
“The decision to delay this public consultation is unacceptable and will only prolong the hardship of those children, young people and families who should have access to Free School Meals and Uniform Grants.
“It is difficult to understand the rationale for the delay, given that other government departments are moving ahead with public consultations on a range of areas that include significant policy reform proposals.
“In the context of harmful budget cuts, such as the end of the School Holiday Food Grant, and the immense financial strain on families struggling with inflation and cost-of-living pressures, widening access to these supports is absolutely critical and should be prioritised.
“We would strongly urge the Department of Education to proceed with the public consultation, in order to gather views and evidence, so that we can make Free School Meals and Uniform Grants available to all children, young people and families that need support as soon as possible.”
ENDS
