THE Scottish Government’s decision to plug the shortfall in school milk funding left by Brexit has been praised by Airdrie MP Neil Gray.
Children and young people in Monklands will now be able to continue to access subsidised milk in schools, despite the EU ceasing to provide local authorities with provision subsidy.
Ministers had pressed the UK Government to make up the shortfall, but to date no such commitment has been made.
To provide certainty to parents, schools and local authorities, the Scottish Government has agreed to commit funding of £722,000 this school year so the scheme can continue, should the UK Government refuse to fill the gap.
Mr Gray said: “This is such a welcome move by the SNP Scottish Government.
“Again, those in power in Scotland are putting young people at the heart of funding decisions.
“Free milk at school is a fundamental source of nutrition for children and to face the prospect of that being stopped despite repeated calls on the UK Government to cover the cost did not bear thinking about.”
