People are being encouraged to check they are not missing out on extra money and to find out if they could be eligible for any of the benefits administered by Social Security Scotland - some of which are only available in Scotland.
18.12.2022 - 08:13 / dailyrecord.co.uk
The Scottish Government has been accused of failing children by watering down plans for free school meals and leaving thousands hungry over Christmas.
Despite pledging to bring in free school meals for all P6 and P7s, ministers backtracked this week by announcing it would initially be for those who get benefits only. In Thursday’s Budget, Deputy First Minister John Swinney also confirmed a two-year delay to the universal rollout, setting a new target of 2024.
He confirmed there would be “free school meals for all Primary Six and Seven pupils in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment”, which campaigners said defeats the aim of universal free meals as it will stigmatise children receiving them if it is means-tested. He also failed to announce when a pilot for secondary schools will begin, despite previous government pledges.
The changes have been blasted as “sneaky and dishonest” by opponents, with campaigners also accusing the government of leaving children to go hungry over the Christmas holidays. Despite pledging £22million for holiday food schemes next year, the STUC said it did nothing to help those who will be facing food shortages in the days and weeks ahead.
The trade union body has now written to Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville, warning her that thousands of children will face a cold and hungry festive season, and said the government was “acting like Scrooge”.
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STUC Women’s Committee leader Andrea Bradley said: “Hunger does not take a holiday. “Families across Scotland are now fearing the school holidays with real anxiety on how they’re going to put food on the table as winter bites.
“The Scottish Government know child hunger is a
People are being encouraged to check they are not missing out on extra money and to find out if they could be eligible for any of the benefits administered by Social Security Scotland - some of which are only available in Scotland.
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