Holiday meals cut for families in need

The Conservative administration in Bedford Borough has decided to end the provision of vouchers for children receiving free school meals in the school holidays, starting in two weeks’ time (Easter holiday 2026). Over 7000 children in the Borough have previously benefited each holiday period.

Councillor Hilde Hendrickx, Bedford Borough Liberal Democrat Children’s and Families spokesperson, said, 

“This is a cruel blow for families still reeling from the cost-of-living crisis. Let’s be clear: this is a choice that the council is making. The Government isn’t forcing them to do this, and funding is still available through the Crisis Resilience Fund. 

To withdraw this support before alternatives have been put in place is deliberately reckless and will hurt local families in the greatest need. Whilst the system is changing, the government is still providing millions of pounds to Bedford Borough Council for support for residents and the Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that councils can include using the new fund for free school meals during school holidays if they feel that is where support is needed.  Nearby Cambridgeshire has already announced the extension of their scheme.

People will remember Marcus Rashford’s campaign to support families by providing them with meals during the school holidays. Now this has just been thrown away by the Conservatives in Bedford. It is local children who will suffer as a result.”

Notes: 

Food voucher scheme in Cambridgeshire extended until September - BBC News