A CALL has been made by a Basingstoke councillor, asking the government to reconsider who is eligible for a free school meal.

In 2018, the Conservative government reduced the free school meal annual eligibility income from £16,190 to £7,400.

Across Hampshire County Council, the number of pupils eligible for free school meals has increased from 6.3 per cent to 11.9 per cent in the last four years.

A cost-of-living crisis is affecting families across Basingstoke with inflation currently running at over 10 per cent. Parents are struggling to afford school uniforms and lunches for their children.

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During a full council meeting held on Thursday, February 23, Labour councillor Alex Lee asked for the leader of the council to write to the Minister of State for Education to review the eligibility criteria for free school meals, including those below the poverty line, defined as 60 per cent of the current median household income of £31,400. 

The motion also asked the cabinet to work with Hampshire County Council partners to ensure all Basingstoke schools comply with the Education Cost of School Act in relation to school uniforms.

Introducing the motion Cllr Alex Lee said: "In my opinion, every child, no matter where they live should be able to have a healthy life including having access to a good diet. For many, the school meal is the one opportunity to have a healthy meal in the day."

He continued: "Across many Basingstoke schools, parents are still expected to spend substantial amounts of money on branded items of clothing despite there being cheaper unbranded alternatives."

The motion received wide support from other borough councillors.

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Cllr Jo Slimin said: "I support everything that you have said. Our children all need to have decent meals."

Cllr Onnalee Cubitt also agreed, she said she "whole-heartedly" supports the motion.

She spoke of one Basingstoke school where the headteacher is offering free breakfast to children which has "transformed their behaviour".

She added: "I don't think it is ad to have to wear second-hand clothes I did, my children did and it is not shameful, it is actually a really good way to recycle."

The motion was approved unanimously.