The past few days have seen a great deal of heat, but very little light, on the issue of free school meals. The tone of the debate should shame many; however emotive an issue, there is no excuse for the hateful and abusive language used on social media. It’s also instructive that not a single one of those now contacting me on this issue was interested back in June of this year when, before Marcus Rashford, I raised support for children’s breakfast clubs in Parliament.
Until last week there had been a cross-party consensus of avoiding voucher-based support schemes which can stigmatise recipients in favour of proper financial benefits that provide dignity and choice. No one in Parliament voted against ensuring children are properly fed – the choice is between a ‘hands off’ voucher based upon who happens to be registered as qualifying for free school meals or a locally delivered solution that is targeted to all of those with needs and ensures that a child receives a properly nutritious meal in a supervised environment. This is why Council Leaders of all parties earlier this year asked for – and were given - £63 million to put local meal and food support schemes in place themselves - an initiative which was praised at the time by major foodbank charity, The Trussell-Trust. Given the extended period of the crisis I would certainly support this amount being now topped up as I expect it will. This comes on top of the emergency package of measures for families which is worth billions. The average household receiving Universal Credit has seen their annual income increase by over £1,000 and the total amount of tax-payers money put into supporting those on benefits is £9.3 billion.
We would usually be looking in the local papers now to find details of local Firework displays next week. Sad to say, this year the celebrations which are a much-loved part of our national heritage may be more of a fizzle than a bang. Despite outdoors events being clearly permitted under national government guidance, the general uncertainty and risk-aversion by many bodies seem to have to put the dampers on most public displays. We shouldn’t ignore the human cost of this to the fireworks and events industry. If you are planning your own safe celebration – and please do remember the impact on pets, horses and other animals – consider giving your custom to a dedicated local firm that relies upon this season for their whole livelihood rather than just the local supermarket. One such example that I visited this week is local family firm Aurora Fireworks based near Wisborough Green.
Andrew has now fully resumed surgeries as socially-distanced meetings and are strictly by appointment only. Upcoming surgeries will be held in Henfield (6th Nov), Barnham (13th Nov), Wisborough Green (4th Dec). Please email for an appointment [email protected].
