Protecting support for vulnerable children
One of the issues I’ve been raising in Parliament recently is the decision by Surrey County Council to end the free school meal holiday voucher scheme.
This scheme has provided vital support to families across Surrey, ensuring that children who rely on free school meals during term time do not go without during the holidays. For many families, it offers peace of mind that their child will have access to at least one proper meal a day, even when school is closed.
I have called on Surrey County Council to urgently reconsider this decision and have raised the issue directly in Parliament.
Schools play a critical role not just in education, but in safeguarding and supporting children’s wellbeing. They are often the first place where concerns about a child’s welfare are identified, and the support they provide extends far beyond the classroom.
Removing the holiday voucher scheme risks leaving some of the most vulnerable children without a crucial safety net. At a time when many families are already struggling with the cost of living, this is deeply concerning.
No child in Woking, or anywhere in Surrey, should go hungry simply because it is the school holidays.
I will continue to press Surrey County Council to reverse this decision and work with schools, local organisations and the Government to ensure that children and families receive the support they need all year round.
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