The new school year is well underway, recess is over, the Autumn budget is almost here, and I have had time to reflect on what it means to have a fair economy that prioritises the future, rather than favouring the few.
While I was leader of Islington council many years ago, we were the first in the UK to introduce free school meals to all nursery and primary school children regardless of the income of parents. We cannot accept a country where some children struggle in their day-to-day lives, in their classes and in the playground, because they’re unable to fill their empty stomachs. That’s why I am so proud that from the start of this academic year, the Government is rolling out free school meals to all children from households receiving Universal Credit. This is what Labour in government is all about. Under the Labour run Haringey council from 2022-2026, over 16,000 free school meals were served.
Recently, in the opposition day debate, I reminded the Conservatives that their proposed tax cuts would only benefit 4% of the population, while 63% of us are struggling with the cost of living. I would rather see new council homes built, and more school children able to have a warm meal. In late August, the Government announced The Social and Affordable Homes Programme to revive our housing market, and give councils a greater capacity to serve the housing needs of their residents.
Labour fought to stop the chaos, restore hope and deliver change. We have made a great start, but there’s still lots to do!