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Thursday, October 29, 2020 2

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‘No child should go hungry’ A POLITICAL row has broken out over whether West Berkshire Council or businesses and charities should step in to ‘fill a free school meals (FSM) gap’. a result of the coronavirus are supported. “I have regularly met with these groups and I would publicly thank them for their work to date.” CouncilloresmbroileidnrowoverwhoshouldfundfreemealsoverChristmas holidays Reporbt y JOHNHERRING email john.herring@newbuyrnews.co.uk twitter johnh_nwn

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opposition leader Lee Dillon (Thatcham North East) who said that council support would make a huge differ- ence. He said: “Many of these children will be from families who are facing additional struggles in light of coron- avirus. “I believe we collectively breathed a sigh of relief when the Government announced they would cover the summer holidays and I am amazed that the Government can’t see the need to continue this scheme during the next extended school break. “The Government’s (and the three MPs that cover West Berkshire) failure to support the recent motion in Parlia- ment now means that we are required to stand up and protect those that the Govern- ment will not.” Mrs Doherty said it would cost the council £93,000, along with additional administra- tive arrangements, to provide support to children identified within the free school meals arrangements this Christ- mas. The council said that people needing help should contact the Community Support Hub on (01635) 503579 or email westberksbct@west- berks.gov.uk The hub is open during office hours; call between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Thursday, or between 8.30am and 4.30pm on Friday. It also offers advice about other sources of help at www.west- berks.gov.uk/SupportHub

EDITOR Andy Murrill andy.murrill@newbuyrnews.co.uk @andymurrill (01635)886625

Mr Dillon said: “The whole purpose of the Government or the council providing the support for free school vouch- ers means that residents are able to access an already established programme and that while it’s been amazing to see the goodwill of local businesses and charities, feeding children shouldn’t come down to them. “The council’s response to this is not good enough. “Rather than signposting those in need elsewhere, the council should show some leadership and take responsi- bility with a fully-funded response of their own. “The work of local chari- ties, community groups, busi- nesses and individuals in response to this pandemic has been fantastic, and yet again they are stepping up to the mark to offer their support, but at a time when many of these groups them- selves are struggling, it should really be government, both local and national, that steps up. “Laura Farris [Newbury MP] has said that money has been allocated to local coun- cils, so why isn’t our local council using this funding to ensure that local children are entitled to vouchers rather than having to rely on the support of businesses and charities?” Mr Dillon said the Liberal Democrats would continue to push for an extraordinary meeting.

The opposition Liberal Democrats urged the council to fund an extension of the FSM scheme this Christmas following a Labour motion being defeated in Parliament last week. The council said that there was no reason for any chil- dren in the district to go hungry this half-term and it has not committed to extend- ing FSM vouchers at this stage, saying that measures are in place to help families in need. Council figures show that there are 2,829 children in the district who qualify for free school meals. Council leader Lynne Doherty (Con, Speen) said: “We have currently got a system in place that’s work- ing. “If there are others that we want to put in place specifi- cally for Christmas, then we will be looking at doing that over the coming weeks. “I don't think anybody wants to see children go hungry, we just have a differ- ent view around the mecha- nisms on how we do that. “I only want the best thing that works in West Berkshire and that’s all I’m interested in. “What I want to do is have no children go hungry and I’m open to how we do that. “I just wonder if other people are open to how to do that.” Mrs Doherty was respond- ing to an open letter from

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CouncileaderLynneDoherty OppositionleaderLeeDillon

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additional measures to cover the Christmas holidays at a meeting scheduled for December 3. She said: “We’re here to help anyone who is worried about being able to feed their children or access food this half-term. “It’s a difficult time for families, but we want them to know they are not alone and that support is available if they need it. “We remain committed to ensuring that residents are supported during what is a very difficult time for many people. “I want to reassure every- one that we have arrange- ments in place which means that no child needs to go hungry in West Berkshire. “Throughout the pandemic we have worked proactively with local community groups, charities, West Berk- shire Volunteer Centre and Greenham Trust to ensure that those facing hardship as

Businesses, pubs, shops and restaurants stepped forward to offer free lunches to children in need during the half-term. Mrs Doherty said: “It’s been fantastic to see local businesses coming out and offering food to families in need. “It’s a further demonstra- tion of the passionate commu- nity spirit we’ve seen in recent months and something which is to be admired. “To all those who have been willing to help I express my heartfelt gratitude, I know this can also help to make a difference.” West Berkshire Liberal Democrats have launched a petition calling on the coun- cil to fund the meals. The party has also called for an emergency meeting on November 10 to discuss options and put measures in place in time for Christmas. Mrs Doherty said that the council could discuss any

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