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Anne Bull, Chair of LACA (formerly the Local Authority Caterers Association), has commented in response to the publication of the New Local Government Network report, The Independent newspaper article, that states a “tidal wave” of spending cuts to  council budgets means entitlement of children from lower-income families to free school meals could be “scaled back”, and today’s parliamentary debate on free school meals and the pupil premium:“

LACA is concerned about the possible impact of the next local government spending review on the school meals service, as highlighted in today’s New Local Government Network report.
“The suggestion that spending restraints detailed in this report could put at risk the high quality food service currently being enjoyed is worrying, as Local Authorities are likely to come under pressure to reduce their budgets, with free school meal allocation an at-risk area. The proposal that some councils could encourage schools to become academies so they do not have to bear the expense of running education support services is something which should be addressed as a matter of urgency.
“It is a statutory right for those eligible for free school meals to be provided with a daily meal. In these difficult economic times it is more important than ever that future financial constraints on local authority budgets do not impact on the ability of local authorities to provide high quality food to the nation’s school children.
“Many children across the country enjoy a healthy and nutritious school lunch which can form up to 30% of their daily calorie intake, these meals are vital in helping children make the most of their education and improve concentration and attainment.”

http://www.nlgn.org.uk/public/2013/gaming-the-cuts-anyborough-in-2018/

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/free-school-meals-may-be-scrapped-by-councils-under-tidal-wave-of-cuts-8574211.html