Ulster Unionist Education Spokesperson Jon Burrows MLA has said families already struggling with the rising cost of living will be hit hard by the Education Authority’s decision to increase the cost of school meals by around 20 per cent.

Jon Burrows MLA said,

“Families right across Northern Ireland are finding it harder to make ends meet. Food and energy prices remain high, and many parents are under real financial pressure. Sadly, for some children, a school meal may be the only hot meal they get in a day, so this increase could not come at a worse time.”

“It also comes at a point when there is significant uncertainty over whether the Chancellor will raise taxes or scale back support for households in the upcoming financial statement. Every extra cost adds up, and this 20 per cent increase will make life even more difficult for those who can least afford it. In a 185-day school year, this will increase costs by £92.50 per child.”

“There are also serious questions about how this move fits with the Executive’s wider anti-poverty approach. If tackling poverty is truly a priority, then every department and public body should be acting in a way that supports that goal.”

“There is significant waste to be found elsewhere within the Education Authority. For example, many schools cannot control their central heating, meaning that radiators lie on unnecessarily while windows remain open. Furthermore, teachers are expected to order their annual requisitions through a sole supplier rather than secure value for money on the free market. More direct engagement with school leaders on how the Education Authority could better meet the budgetary challenges it faces would be an appropriate start”.

“I will be writing to the Education Minister to ask for a full explanation of the reasons behind the increase, what consideration was given to its impact on low-income households, and to urge him to reverse this decision.”