MP calls on Education Secretary to increase funding for free school meals

Cumbrian MP Tim Farron has written to the Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, urging her to increase the funding that schools get to provide free school meals, amid concerns of soaring food prices.

In the last eight years, the money provided per pupil for free school meals has increased by just 11p, from £2.30 to £2.41.

Meanwhile in the same time period, food costs have gone up by a third and staffing costs have increased by 60%.

In a letter to the Secretary of State, Tim said: "The cost of food is rising fast thanks to inflation and staffing costs have also been increasing.

"The current rate is not sustainable for many schools.

"Given rising food and staff costs, will Ministers reconsider the current rate with a view to increasing it?"