7/25/2008 7:38:00 AM
Daily Telegraph 25 July
Every primary school pupil in England could receive free school meals if Labour wins the next election. The £1 billion pledge – affecting almost four million children – will be included in the party’s manifesto. If implemented, it would save each family almost £300 per child every year. The proposals are expected to be agreed between ministers and trade unions this weekend. In return, union leaders are expected to provide funds for the cash-strapped party. Ministers will stop short of agreeing a timescale for the introduction of the scheme, which would cover all pupils in 17,205 primary schools. They will say that economic pressures mean it is impossible to boost the education budget by so much at present. They will order pilot schemes to be ready for when economic conditions allow. Ministers have already asked Treasury officials to work out the true cost of the scheme which has been estimated at £1 billion. It is hoped it will boost the number of pupils eating healthy meals. DT
Primary
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