First Minister promises more free school meals
2 Mar 07
Govan Law Centre welcomes news of anti-poverty commitment
The Govan Law Centre has welcomed a move by the First Minister to extend the provision of free school meals in Scotland.
Jack McConnell is to commit Labour to almost doubling the number of children entitled to free meals. The proposal is expected to be part of Labour's manifesto. At present, about 122,000 children are entitled to free school meals - those from very low income families or whose parents are out of work.
Mr McConnell wants school meals to be extended to a further 97,000 children whose parents receive working tax credit. It is estimated to cost between £20 million and £30m.
The First Minister is expected to make the announcement at a speech on poverty in Glasgow this morning. Other measures include the creation of an anti-poverty unit which would monitor the effects of measures introduced to reduce poverty.
The Govan Law Centre drafted the first Free School Meals (Scotland) Bill in the Scottish Parliamentary session 1999-2003.
The centre's principal solicitor Mike Dailly, who drafted the first free school meals bill, said he thought the move could help lift thousands of children out of poverty.
He said: "Govan Law Centre has long campaigned for the rights of low and modestly paid workers, and this commitment will make a huge difference to quality of life of many hard working families in Scotland."