Lib Dems announce plans for free school meals for 9105 more primary school children in Somerset

The Liberal Democrats have announced their ambition to extend free school meals to all primary school children, beginning with all children in poverty across both primary and secondary schools. 

This would mean an extra 9105 primary school children in Somerset receiving free school meals. Currently in Somerset, just 5760 (20.5%) of primary school children in year 3 and above receive free school meals. 

In government, the Liberal Democrats would ensure 100% of primary school children receive free school meals. The party’s plan also includes an immediate extension of free school meals to all 900,000 children living in poverty who currently miss out across both primary and secondary school. 

This is estimated to be 70,000 in the South-West, who would all be covered under the Liberal Democrats’ plan. The new policy will make the Liberal Democrats the most ambitious party on free school meals. 

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Frome and East Somerset, Anna Sabine, said: “I am proud the Liberal Democrats have the most ambitious plan for free school meals of any party. Across Somerset, there are too many children expected to learn on empty stomachs with no guarantee of a hot meal when they get home. It is about time that changed”