Worthing council backs call for universal free school meals

Worthing Borough Council has backed a motion supporting universal free school meals for all children in England, calling for the scheme to be fully funded by central government.

The proposal was put forward by councillor Henna Chowdhury and seconded by councillor Martin McCabe before receiving unanimous cross-party support following a Green Group amendment.

The motion calls on the Government to introduce a fully funded national scheme and reaffirms the council’s commitment to tackling child poverty and food insecurity. The authority will write to the Secretary of State for Education and the Chancellor of the Exchequer to express its support and will also share the resolution with Worthing’s MPs.

Councillors said expanding access to nutritious school meals would help improve children’s health, wellbeing, attendance and educational attainment while supporting families facing rising living costs. The council also reaffirmed its commitment to continuing work with schools, community groups, food partnerships and voluntary organisations to address food insecurity within its available resources.