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Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor MBE, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Health and Wellbeing Committee, has released the following statement in response to new analysis on food poverty among households with young children by the Education Policy Institute:
"It is tragic that any child lives in food poverty, and this report is a clear warning of the need to prioritise the lives of vulnerable children.
Supporting children and young people to lead happy and fulfilling lives is one of the most important jobs councils do, but there needs to be an increased focus on preventative measures to reduce pressure on local services.
Complementing food provision in childcare and educational settings with work to improve the accessibility and affordability of good quality food is an important whole system approach to tackling poverty. This includes local Food Partnerships and advice and support services through the Crisis and Resilience Fund that improve long-term financial wellbeing.
The recent extension of free school meals to all children in households on Universal Credit helps families to absorb financial pressures. However, challenges remain for some low-income households on the margins of eligibility, and those with younger children.
It is important that councils are not left to pick up the pieces of a larger problem. Government should keep eligibility under review for both free school meals and the Healthy Start Scheme for pre-school children to ensure support reaches families who need it most.
The Child Poverty Strategy and Best Start in Life were positive steps taken by the previous administration. It is important that we now build on that ambition and enable every child to thrive."
