Islington Labour wins free school meals for all

4th March 2009, 8:00am

Islington Council's opposition Labour Party has passed a budget, which will see the introduction of free school meals for all children at primary schools and nurseries.

The Labour budget also included proposals for free gym and exercise classes for teenagers.

In a statement Islington Labour said: "The scheme was funded by savings from the council communications budget, slashing councillors' salaries and efficiency savings designed to safeguard front line services."

Estimates show that the scheme would save a family of two children around £600 per year on school meal costs.

Commenting on the proposals, Cllr Catherine West, Leader of Islington Labour Group, said: "I am proud that we have passed this budget to help working families in tough economic times. Free school meals boost learning, they are good for children's health and save hard working parents money."

Related Articles:

• 11 Aug 2009 - More pupils now eligible for free school meals
• 17 Jun 2009 - Islington free school meals 'being sabotaged'
• 17 Jun 2009 - Wirral schools get top marks for their dinners
• 04 Jun 2009 - More cash needed for free school meals
• 01 May 2009 - Durham, Newham and Wolverhampton to pilot free school meals
• 27 Mar 2009 - Do new standards threaten school meals service?
• 23 Mar 2009 - School meals look to local suppliers
• 12 Mar 2009 - Children in Scotland are shunning school meals
• 10 Mar 2009 - Anglesey spend £300k freezing price of school meals
• 09 Mar 2009 - Restaurants at School wins first contract
• 09 Mar 2009 - School meals service u-turn
• 16 Feb 2009 - Money ring-fenced for free school meals not used
• 21 Jan 2009 - Many children are not taking free school meals
• 16 Jan 2009 - Free school meals criteria revealed
• 14 Jan 2009 - Recession increases demand for free school meals
• 02 Oct 2008 - Free school meals for all infant pupils
• 24 Sep 2008 - £40m package announced for free school meals

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