Ross backs free school meals for primary kids
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A PLAN to provide free school meals for all primary school pupils in Scotland has been welcomed by far north MSP, Gail Ross.
She said the decision would mean youngsters in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross and elsewhere in the country will get free year-round breakfast and lunch from August 2022. The decision will help tackle poverty in the face of "Tory cuts," said Mrs Ross.
Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, made the announcement and said it would address child poverty and make Scotland the first nation in the UK to offer universal free primary school meals to pupils.
Mrs Ross backed the plan which will come in effect if the SNP are re-elected at the Scottish parliamentary elections in May.
The Scottish Government previously extended eligibility for a free school lunch to all primary one to primary three pupils while primary four to seven youngsters are eligible based on a range of income and benefits criteria.
Now, Ministers have decided to expand the scheme at a cost of around £230 million a year in additional expenditure to introduce a free year-round breakfast and lunch for all primary school pupils from August 2022.
The Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP said: "The Covid-19 pandemic has put real financial pressure on families, and it’s right that the Scottish Government ensured that children would continue to receive free school meals over the holidays.
"But we will not stop there. If the SNP is re-elected in May, every single primary school pupil in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross will be eligible for free breakfast and lunch, all year round.
"And unlike the Tories, we didn’t have to be publicly shamed and condemned into choosing to feed hungry children – that is the basic duty of any government.
"This ambitious expansion of the free school meals scheme is the next step in our battle to stop the Tories forcing more and more kids into poverty, support families, and make Scotland the best place to grow up," added Mrs Ross.
She also welcomed the announcement that over 8,000 NHS Highland staff – along with their colleagues elsewhere in Scotland – will be recognised for their hard work during the coronavirus pandemic by receiving a bonus of £500 from the Scottish Government.
Mrs Ross said:"NHS Highland staff have worked so hard to keep everyone safe during the pandemic and put their lives on the line to treat some of the sickest patients with the disease.
"I am delighted to see all their work and sacrifice is being rewarded by the Scottish Government with this £500 payment."
