A CONSERVATIVE Royal Borough councillor has called for the government to ‘urgently rethink’ the free school meals vote last week.

The lead member for adult social care, children’s services, health and mental health, councillor Stuart Carroll (Conservative: Boyn Hill) told the Observer he disagreed with the national vote block and will be writing to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson to ask them to ‘rethink’ or ‘reconsider’ their position.

Last week in Parliament, Labour’s motion to extend free school meals over the school holidays until Easter 2021 was defeated by the ruling Tories by 322 votes to 261 – a majority of 61.

England and Manchester United football player Marcus Rashford campaigned for free school meals to be provided over the holidays and, after MPs voted, vowed to continue to push his petition.

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Cllr Carroll said: “In this instance, I’m afraid to say, the government got it wrong and they need to do to the right thing now and accept it got it wrong.

“The government is having to deal with a plethora of issues and a myriad of dilemmas, so it’s understandable the government can’t get everything right – but the key thing is to acknowledge that and make an urgent decision to reconsider, rethink, to come forward with a better policy because there’s no nothing more important than the protection of vulnerable children and young people particularly in this current, extremely difficult world we’re living in.”

Following the national vote, some schools got in contact with the Royal Borough’s council officers expressing concerns and asking what help can be provided.

Letters were sent out to all schools across the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead on October 26 asking head teachers to keep a record of financial support they have given to vulnerable children and families out of their budget so the council could “rigorously” lobby government to cover those costs.

They also stated the council will review its own financial position to see what support they can provide and be “the ultimate back-up” if needed.

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The letter was also shared with former Prime Minister and Maidenhead MP Theresa May as well as Windsor MP Adam Afriyie – who both voted against the motion.

Cllr Carroll said: “Councils up and down the country are struggling because of this pandemic and its impact on income, revenue, services has been profound for every local authority, we’re not unique in that.

“The government needs to step up here and do more and its not the responsibility of local authorities to be funding these things, it’s the responsibility of government.”

If you or someone you know needs help, the following places can be contacted:

  • Windsor Football Club, Stag Meadow – Free meals on offer to any child who qualifies for free school meals. 12-2pm, Tuesday to Friday.
  • Driven Forward’s community fridge in the Alexandra Gardens car park by the yellow duck boat. Packed lunches and self-cook packs. Call 07551 081155
  • West Windsor Hub at All Saints Church, Dedworth Road, Dedworth – Packed lunches and self-cook pack on offer to families eligible for free school meals on a low income. Call 01753 342110
  • Off the Tap, High St, Maidenhead – Free meal from the children’s menu when an adult meal is purchased. Monday to Thursday, 12 to 3pm

Cllr Carroll added if anyone has any concerns, they can contact him on cllr.carroll@rbwm.gov.uk.