Table of Contents
- Expansion of the Free School Breakfast Scheme
- Calls for Inclusion of Secondary Schools
- Tax Concerns and Potential Hikes
- Potential Tax Increase on Alcohol
Empowered Labour MPs are urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to allocate additional funds by expanding the Government’s free school breakfast initiative.
Backbenchers and peers have been invited to sign a private letter, requesting Ms. Reeves to designate significant funding in the Budget so that morning meals can benefit more students.
Labour MPs are urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to allocate more fundsCredit: Tayfun Salci
Ministers are currently rolling out free breakfasts to all primary schools across England. However, some MPs are advocating for this initiative to be extended to secondary schools.
Sharon Hodgson, a former aide to Sir, is spearheading the campaign to include secondary-aged students in special education institutions.
The Treasury is also being urged to renew funding for subsidized breakfast clubs at 900 secondary schools located in underprivileged areas.
Ms. Hodgson’s letter, set to be sent on Friday, stated: “The proposals we have outlined are designed to enhance the program so that it reaches the widest audience possible and fulfills its potential to provide every child with the best start in life.”
This push follows indications that backbenchers may have influenced the Chancellor regarding the two-child benefit cap, as she hinted strongly that the threshold may be removed in the upcoming Budget.
Ms. Reeves has also laid the groundwork to abandon Labour’s key manifesto commitment to avoid increasing taxes.
At a recent event, the Tory Leader accused the Prime Minister of offering welfare handouts to “save his own skin.”
Ms. Badenoch cautioned: “It’s last year’s tax increases that caused the issues, which will lead to this year’s tax hikes. This creates a tax doom loop; the only solution is to reduce spending.”
Potential Tax Increase on Alcohol
Hard-working Britons may face further challenges if Rachel Reeves proceeds with a new tax increase on alcohol.
Last year, there was a 3.6 percent increase, but the Chancellor might now raise alcohol duty by 4.5 percent if she adheres to the Retail Price Index.
This would result in a 7p increase for a four-pack of 330ml lager.
Miles Beale of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association remarked: “Another duty increase is quite a discouraging prospect.”
The Treasury has chosen not to comment.
What is the Government's free school breakfast scheme?
The Government's free school breakfast scheme provides free breakfasts to primary school students in England to ensure that children start their day with a nutritious meal.
Why are Labour MPs requesting an expansion of this scheme?
Labour MPs are advocating for the expansion to ensure that secondary school students, especially those in special education, also receive access to free breakfasts, thereby promoting equal opportunities for all children.
What concerns are there regarding potential tax hikes?
There are concerns that tax increases, particularly on alcohol, could further burden hard-working individuals and families, with potential hikes being proposed in the upcoming Budget.
