Free school meal holiday voucher scheme in Surrey
Tabled 11 March 2026 by Mr Will Forster
That this House expresses deep concern at the decision by Conservative-run Surrey County Council to end the free school meal holiday voucher scheme that has supported vulnerable children across Surrey during school holidays; notes that the scheme provides supermarket vouchers to families whose children receive free school meals, helping ensure children continue to receive proper nutrition when schools are closed; recognises that for many families these vouchers provide a vital safety net during the cost of living crisis; further notes that schools play an essential role not only in education but also in safeguarding children and ensuring their wellbeing, including access to regular meals; condemns the decision by the Conservative administration at Surrey County Council to withdraw this support despite the clear risk that vulnerable children may go hungry during the holidays; believes that removing this assistance demonstrates a troubling disregard for the welfare of low income families; and calls on Surrey County Council to urgently reverse this decision and work with schools and local communities to ensure that no child in Surrey is left without access to a healthy meal during school holidays.