Stopping free school meals

Is this government taking the piss as if working families haven't got it hard enough with childcare and the rest.

 

Following in Maggie the milk snatchers footsteps. Welcome to the tory party. Imagine some people voted for this lot.

 

From what I've read the focus of this is the introduction of free school meals for all kids which was introduced in 2014. I believe the cost of the initiative is approximately £600 million per year.

While I think free school meals are a good idea for kids who come from poor or disadvantaged homes I would question whether it is something that should be available to everybody.

Isn't it the responsibility of parents to make sure that kids are fed? I know it was when I was growing up and when my kids were growing up I paid for their needs.

I just fail to see why the taxpayer has to pick up the tab for everything.

 

It's limited to primary kids anyway isn't it and is supposed to be cost effective as well fed kids listen learn and are less likely to be disruptive. It's a shame that summat so positive will be lost. Maybe a foodbank outside of every school instead.

 

Said like a true tory.

Means testing in itself would cost a fortune, wasted on bureaucracy rather than food.

 

How do you reach that conclusion? There was nothing wrong with the system we knew when we were at school and there is nothing wrong with parents looking after their kids. This was only introduced two years ago and it won't affect those who need help the most. It's certainly not difficult to maintain a system of free school meals, no additional means testing is required because that is already done via welfare.

 

I thought the whole point of tax was for funding the welfare system and other public services
The horrible party in govt are running riot with their horrible policies. This lot are more concerned with getting under- radar policies such as charging as much as £600 for obtaining info from the Freedom of information. Anti-democracy anti-green Its all coming to the fore now and all because people trusted them with their vote. Cnts the lot of them

 

Means testing is a very costly and labour intensive way of doing things

 

The whole point of welfare is to look after those who need it. My point about the free school meals for all is that it isn't something that all people need, and the cost of feeding their kids should be the responsibility of the parents. Those kids who qualify via their parents needing financial assistance should still get it. I don't see what is wrong with this. Can somebody give me a rational reason why feeding their kids is not the responsibility of parents who can afford it.

 

The problem is Mario that lots of parents who can afford to feed their kids, don't feed their kids - or at least not substantial healthy food. I'm not saying that that is the taxpayers fault but it certainly isn't the kids fault. In this scenario, these kids do need the welfare as they have no way to make their own money to buy their dinner and/or no way to pack themselves healthier packed lunches.

This policy was only for under 7s (extra info. for those that were not aware).

 

I get that JD and I don't have any figures to back anything up but in my experience, personally and through friends, the welfare of children is paramount. How many parents don't make sure their kids aren't hungry or fed properly? I'd imagine that it is the minority. This is also something that goes way beyond financial welfare because money doesn't make you a better parent. I'm not making any sweeping accusations but I'd imagine that in some cases those kids who weren't being fed properly were also facing other issues at home. The welfare and safety of children has to be a top priority and making sure parents who need help get the help they need has to be the focus. Most other parents will continue to do the best they can bringing their kids up.

 

In that case sterilisation should be brought in. There are far too many **** parents who do not give a toss about their kids and yet what is done about it? They are given more and more money to attempt to cover up for their negligence

 

Yes only for under 7s I forgot to add but thought it was a good policy and has only been introduced a year back under the coalition. Surely they knew a year back if couldn't afford it.

 

For me ALL school kids should get free school meals which should be funded by a reduction in child benefits by the same a amount. In one simple move you have ensured that ALL children are getting fed at school, taken the stigma away from being on free meals, removed bullying/theft of dinner money, saved administration costs in schools, saved any 'means testing' costs and not spent an extra penny paying parents twice to feed their kids

 

Some of the thinking is that early intervention like this prevents more (expensive) problems down the line.

They are only free for 2 years (I think) - then it's means tested.

 

Great idea and so simple. I vote for you.

 

I think they knew they couldn't afford it but it was a liberal policy that clegg actually stuck to. Probably his only one

Now the Tories are in sole power they've **** canned it ASAP!

and to think people voted for these tossers

 

Gi'or the kids mother wouldn't be able to afford her fags anymore!

Actually it's a great idea.

 

Don't think there is the stigma anymore about free dinners - attitudes aren't the same anymore. For some children this maybe the only decent meal they get all day - can't believe they are wanting to take it away so soon.

 

My wife was a primary schoolteacher and remembers from time to time kids on free school dinners coming back from summer holidays talking about their holiday in Disney World Florida or on the Costas, Greece etc. I know means testing is expensive but the abuse of the benefits system is not only morally repugnant but, more importantly, diverts funds away from people who really need support. Like it or not, money grabbing, self serving parasites exist at all levels not just some politicians and the upper echelons of society.
That said, the idea of ring fencing certain universal benefits like the above suggestion would (should??) be a good start and very practical and relatively simple and cost effective to implement given the benefits it would bring.