LGA statement on EPI report on tackling food poverty in early years

Responding to an Education Policy Institute (EPI) report which calls on government to prioritise tackling food poverty in the early years, Cllr Arooj Shah, Chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board, said:

“No child should ever grow up in poverty. Councils play an essential role in supporting the most vulnerable in their communities, alongside support provided directly by government.

“As this report recommends, the Government should consider introducing automatic enrolment for free school meals and expanding eligibility to tackle growing disparities, including for the Healthy Start scheme.

“We have long advocated that the most effective way to support low-income households and lift them out of poverty is through an adequately resourced national safety net, alongside sustainable long-term funding for vital council services.

“We look forward to working with government on its proposed strategy to tackle child poverty.”