Salmond's free school meals plan scrapes through

Published on Wednesday 19 November 2008 21:14

A HOLYROOD committee yesterday voted by a narrow margin to support a flagship SNP policy of providing free school meals for all five- to seven-year-olds.

But doubt remains over whether councils will have the cash to provide the meals or be able to opt out of the measure.

The committee voted in favour of the statutory instrument which will permit councils to provide free meals. Three SNP members voted for the proposal, while Tory Liz Smith and Lib Dem Margaret Smith voted against and three Labour MSPs abstained.

However, the decision will need to be ratified by the full parliament.

Adam Ingram, the children's minister, told the committee the move was needed to transform the attitude of Scots youngsters to food.

"A universal approach is required because obesity is a growing problem," he said. "Targeting a minority of pupils will not bring about the culture change in eating habits that we're looking for – the policy needs to be inclusive."

It will cost 30 million when it is introduced in 2010, but there has been a dispute between the Scottish Government and some councils over whether the money has been put aside to fund it.

Some councils have claimed their concordat with the Scottish Government means they can opt out because the money is not ring-fenced.

The order passed by the committee gives councils the choice of providing lunches free of charge – but does not compel them by law.