Powys County Council’s Labour Leader has secured a commitment from the Council’s Cabinet to ensure children don’t miss out on Free School Meals during lock down.

After being alerted by concerned parents that the voucher scheme set up in place of Free School Meals during the Coronavirus pandemic could be used to purchase cigarettes and alcohol, Cllr Matthew Dorrance took the issue up with the Council’s Cabinet Member for Education.

In a Question to the Cabinet Member, Cllr Matthew Dorrance called on the Council to take action that stops the vouchers being used for cigarettes and alcohol.

In his reply, the Education Cabinet Member said the Council will advise the voucher provider to request all supermarkets have these restrictions in place when using these vouchers.

Cllr Matthew Dorrance said:

 

“I was really concerned to learn that a scheme set up to ensure children don’t go hungry could be used to buy cigarettes and alcohol.

 

“I know that the overwhelming majority of parents will do the right thing, but it is worrying that there are loopholes such as things in a Powys Council scheme.

 

“I welcome the commitment to put in place actions which will lead to restrictions on the purchase of cigarettes and alcohol when using these vouchers but frankly, the Council should have ensured this was already in place.”