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Caerphilly County Borough Council has announced plans to provide free school meals this summer after the Welsh Government withdrew funding for the scheme. 

Last week, the Welsh Government confirmed the withdrawal of funding for the free school meal vouchers that were previously available throughout the school holidays.

The scheme was started in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In response to last week’s news, a letter was sent out to parents and carers in which Richard Edmunds, director of education and corporate services for Caerphilly County Borough Council, stated that the council’s response was dependent on the Welsh Government’s decision. 

Mr Edmunds added that the council “cannot do anything about Welsh Government’s decision” but suggested a number of alternatives to help support families. 

However, the council has now announced plans to provide a one-off fund of £900,000 for a free school meals holiday payment to support families.

The decision was announced at the full council meeting on July 4. 

Leader of the council, Cllr Sean Morgan, said: “The ever-increasing cost-of-living has become a significant burden on our communities, especially those from low-income backgrounds.

“The feedback we have already received from families has evidenced that they were absolutely relying on this payment and had every expectation it would continue during the summer holiday.”

He continued: “I know all members share the view that it is vital our children and young people can enjoy their school holidays in the knowledge that there is food available for them. We as a council can help take some pressure off families who are struggling to make ends meet.”

Cllr Morgan added that a report would be brought forward to early autumn, outlining options to sustain this support over the long term.

Cllr Morgan and Plaid Cymru group leader Cllr Lindsay Whittle also agreed to ask the Welsh Government to revise the universal free school meals policy amid the cost-of-living crisis. 

‘Delighted’

Plaid Cymru group leader, Cllr Lindsay Whittle, has welcomed the announcement and said he is “delighted” that the meals, which will be funded using council reserves, will continue to be provided. 

This comes after Llanbradach ward councillor Gary Enright, a former Caerphilly Council employee, wrote to appeal for funding support to continue the meals programme. 

Cllr Whittle said: “The council has built up more than £200m in reserves so there was the opportunity to move money around. If there is a will, there’s a way and it has been found.

“The Plaid Cymru group on the council and my Plaid Cymru Senedd colleagues will continue to speak up for the most vulnerable in our communities.

“I am glad that the council have changed their minds and decided to fund this invaluable scheme. We will continue to raise these issues with the Labour Welsh Government so that funding of this kind can be made available in the future.”