Free school meals boost for families

FREE school meals look likely to remain available outside of term time in Greater Manchester after a 'vital lifeline' fund was extended.

- ETHAN DAVIES

The government's Household Support Fund (HSF) was due to end on September 30, but it was announced yesterday that it will stay in place for another six months.

The £421m kitty is given to councils who can use it to help residents in the cost-of-living crisis, with many choosing to spend their cash on giving free school meals to children during the holidays.

The extension means families struggling to make ends meet in Greater Manchester can expect their children to be fed in school during the autumn half term, Christmas, and spring half-term holidays.

"We are extending the Household Support Fund for the next six months because it is a lifeline for people who are struggling with the cost of living," said Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall MP in announcing the extension.