Backlash over MP’s vote on school meals
MACCLESFIELD MP David Rutley has suffered a backlash following his vote to change the benefit system.
The MP supported changes to which children will be eligible for free school meals, which means parents earning more than £7,400 will no longer qualify for free school meals for their children after year two.
Currently families on Universal Credit (UC) can claim free school meals throughout their child’s school life.
But under the new plans, only families on UC and earning less than £7,400 will qualify.
The changes will be brought in from April 1.
Those families already on UC and in receipt of free school meals will continue to qualify until March 31, 2022, or when their children leave school.
However, any parent who signs up for UC after April 1 will only qualify if they earn below the threshold. The £7,400 refers specifically to net earned income - so the amount you take from jobs, investments etc - but not benefits - in a year.
Tories argue that 50,000 more children will be eligible for free school meals, under the new system.
But parents have taken to social media to voice their outrage, saying parents on low incomes will be hit the hardest.
Laura Jennings said she was disappointed at the outcome and fears it will have an impact on pupil success. She wrote on the Express Facebook page: “It just seems such a shame that it will be those children from the lowest income families who will suffer. And especially when it’s been proven that a decent meals aids attainment in school age children.”
Macclesfield Town Councillor Neil Puttick says 9,000 children will be affected across Cheshire East.
He said: “It’s not fair. It’s not right and it is very positive that we have got together to speak up as a community for our poorest children against the misguided ideas of our MP and his government.”
In a letter to parents, Mr Rutley defended his vote at Tuesdays meeting.
He argued the government are ‘committed to ensuring that disadvantaged young people are able to access a free, nutritious meal at school’.
He said: “Contrary to the misinformation expressed ahead of the vote, the Government is increasing the number of disadvantaged young people who are eligible for this support. Because of this, I voted with the Government to extend the eligibility for Free School Meals.”