Question reference: S5W-35173
- Asked by: George Adam, MSP for Paisley, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 11 February 2021
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Current status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Aileen Campbell on 12 February 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what support has been made available to children from low-income households receiving free school meals over the winter period.
Answer
As part of the Winter Plan for Social Protection, Scottish Ministers announced a one-off COVID Winter Hardship Payment of £100 for each child receiving Free School Meals, on the basis of low income, prior to the winter holidays.
As of 5 February local authorities have reported that payments have been made to 144,128 eligible children and young people, totalling over £14.41 million. Scottish Ministers will meet the cost of these payments in full and have also provided £400,000 of administration funding to councils to support delivery. This payment is in addition to continued Free School Meal provision delivered during the October, Christmas and February holidays, backed by £6.95 million of investment.
Scottish Ministers have also committed £12.898 million to councils to continue the provision of Free School Meals, for children eligible on the basis of low income, during the period of online learning in January and February.
Further funding of £4.29 million has also been made available to continue Free School Meal alternate provision over the Easter 2021 break – ensuring that eligible children and young people continue to be supported.