LACA welcomes David Cameron’s free school meals comments
LACA chair Peter McGrath has responded to David Cameron’s comments earlier this week on the future of Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM).
McGrath said: “LACA welcomes the public statement made by the Prime Minister regarding Universal Infant Free School Meals.
“We remain positive that he is able to deliver his commitment to retain the policy and look forward to this commitment being confirmed to Parliament.
“Schools and parents across England will welcome the long term vision of the Prime Minister and his government by keeping this policy which will makes a significant contribution to the health and well-being of children and young people everywhere.”
Earlier this week BBC News reported that the Prime Minister was committed to keeping the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme.
An official spokesperson told the BBC that the Prime Minister "is committed to free school meals in England" and dismissed speculation that the scheme would be cut referring to the clear message on school meals set out in the Conservative manifesto.
The Prime Minister also told Sky News: "We're very proud of what we've done with free school meals. It was an excellent reform carried out in the last parliament.
"We are now going to have a spending review where obviously we have to make sure that we are delivering on our spending promises, but we are very proud of what we've done with free school meals."
A Department for Education spokesperson was contacted after Cameron’s statements were made public and said that “nothing had changed despite the Prime Minister’s comments” and the scheme is still subject to review ahead of the autumn statement.