Lib Dems announce plans for free school meals for 2,599 more primary school children in York

The Liberal Democrats have launched their ambition to extend free school meals to all primary school children, funded by a new share buyback tax.

The government currently only provides meals for all children in reception, year 1 and year 2. In year 3 and above, the government has set stringent conditions on family income for children receiving free school meals. This means that many working families on Universal Credit do not qualify for free school meals even though they are not on high wages.

Currently in York, just 1,390 (15.5%) of primary school children in year 3 and above receive free school meals. In government, the Liberal Democrats would ensure 100% of primary school children receive free school meals.

The party’s plan also includes an immediate extension of free school meals to all 900,000 children living in poverty who currently miss out across both primary and secondary school. This is estimated to be 80,000 in Yorkshire and the Humber, who would all be covered under the Liberal Democrats’ plan.

Analysis by PWC found that every £1 spent on free school meals for the poorest children generates £1.38 in health and earnings benefits, including improvements to children’s health, education and future working life opportunities.

The new policy will make the Liberal Democrats the most ambitious party on free school meals, with the Labour Party abandoning their national ambition of free school meals for all.

The manifesto pledge would be funded by a 4% levy on the share buybacks of FTSE 100 listed corporations, similar to the excise tax on buybacks implemented by President Biden in the US, which could raise around £1.4bn a year.

Share buybacks occur when companies use profits to inflate their own share price, a practice which critics have warned can come at the expense of productive investment in the economy.

The sectors using share buybacks the most are oil and gas giants, banks and large corporations that own a number of food and consumer goods brands. This suggests the practice is being driven by companies profiting from soaring prices during the cost of living crisis.

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for York Outer, Andrew Hollyer said:

“Across York, there are too many children expected to learn on empty stomachs with no guarantee of a hot meal when they get home.

“Conservative MPs should hang their heads in shame at a legacy of children going hungry in the worst cost of living crisis in a generation.

“It is time for change. Only by voting for the Liberal Democrats in York will you be voting for a party fighting for the wellbeing of children and their futures.

“I am proud the Liberal Democrats have the most ambitious plan for free school meals of any party, which would save parents money and transform the future for millions of children.”

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for York Central, Alan Page said:

“Labour’s Council bosses promised every primary school child a free school meal. We now know that this promise was unfunded and so far we have a limited trial in two schools in the area with little prospect for this to be extended elsewhere.

“The Liberal Democrats are the only party in York with a plan to feed hungry children. We would encourage Labour to get on board with our programme to deliver free school meals for every primary school child in York. Otherwise, voters should get them out of the way by electing Liberal Democrat candidates who will deliver a sustainable national programme.”