Children from low-income working families are being unfairly excluded from a government-funded holiday food scheme, according to a motion set to be debated by councillors in County Durham.
The motion, tabled by Reform Councillor Cathy Hunt, calls on the government to widen eligibility for the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme so it includes children experiencing financial hardship, even if their parents are not claiming qualifying benefits.
The HAF programme currently provides free healthy meals and holiday activities during school breaks for children who qualify for benefits-related Free School Meals.
However, Cllr Hunt argues that many families who are in work are increasingly struggling with rising food, energy, housing and childcare costs but are unable to access the support because their income is just above the eligibility threshold.
The motion, which is due to be discussed by Durham County Council on Wednesday (July 15), says school holidays place additional financial pressure on working households, with parents often having to pay for childcare while also covering meals children would usually receive during term time.
Cllr Hunt, the council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said the current system excludes many children living in genuine financial hardship.
The motion also argues that restricting access based on entitlement to benefits-related Free School Meals, rather than a family’s overall financial circumstances, can create unnecessary stigma.
It states that every child should have access to healthy food, social interaction and enriching activities during the holidays, regardless of whether their parents receive qualifying benefits.
If approved, the council will write to the Secretary of State for Education urging a review of the HAF Programme’s eligibility rules and calling for the scheme to be extended to children from low-income working families.
Councillors would also ask the Department for Education to work with local authorities on developing a broader eligibility framework based on household financial circumstances rather than benefit entitlement alone.
County Durham’s MPs would also be asked to support the campaign and raise the issue with ministers.
The motion concludes: “No child should be disadvantaged because of their parents’ income and argues that widening access to the programme would help tackle child poverty, reduce stigma and ensure support reaches the children who need it most.”
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
