Leader urges families to claim free lunches

Leader of Rochdale Council Alan Taylor is urging local families to check whether they are entitled to claim free lunches as local children go back to school this week.

It comes after recently released figures have indicated that one in five parents on low income are said to be unaware their children are entitled to free school dinners, worth up to £700 a year.

According to the School Food Trust, 22% of parents on a low income questioned were not aware their child was entitled to the support.

On average school meals cost £1.85 in state secondary schools and families who are eligible could save £703 a year by signing up and claiming what is rightfully theirs.

The survey also found that 39% of parents with an income of less than £16,000 a year said the money saved would put the extra money to good use by paying urgent bills.

Families qualify for free school meals if their household income is less than £16,040 and their parents do not get working family tax credit.

But the research found that eligible parents are still giving lunch money of £3 a day, wasting £1,140 a year.

Leader of Rochdale Council Alan Taylor said: "As the recession bites and unemployment rises, cash strapped families need to be making all the savings they can. This is why I am urging any parent to check with their school or with us at the Council and start claiming what's theirs.

Councillor Taylor added: "We as a Council have been doing all we can to help local families during this difficult time. Advice and support on a wide range of issues such as affordable childcare, finding a job and getting onto the property ladder is readily available. Please do get in touch if you would like any information whatsoever by calling 01706 924 851."