LACA chair Stephen Forster told delegates to the Spring Business Seminar there were ‘rumours and speculation’ about the end of universal infant free school meals (UIFSM).
He told delegates in Stratford on March 5th that there were clear benefits to pupils, schools and parents from the free school meals available to all primary children up to the age of eight.
In fact, LACA had made a submission to HM Treasury ahead of the Budget (March 10th) asking for the UIFSM price to be increased from the current £2.30 to £2.51.
Forster said that although there was an argument the price should be higher, he believed LACA’s proposal was a ‘sensible’ increase.
Victoria Morgan of Oakhill Communications gave a political update and also mentioned the threat to UIFSM, though she said any action by the Government was more likely in the autumn comprehensive spending review.