Council chiefs have defended their decision to offer cash payments to parents in lieu of school meal provision.
The authority introduced measures to compensate parents for kids’ lunches after the coronavirus crisis forced school closures.
But concerns have been expressed about the the council’s emergency package which provides a £35 payment fortnightly for meals.
Critics fear the measure is tempting fate for cash-strapped parents and may not be spent on ensuring the welfare of youngsters.
Councillor Graham Bell is one of those who fears the provision of a monetary option will see some children go hungry.
He told the Standard: “I’m quite concerned about the school meals situation – other local authorities are giving out vouchers but this authority is offering a number of options and the cash payment is one.
“For some parents, this cash payment might not be passed down for the welfare of the kids.
“It concerns me for the health, safety and welfare of the kids.
“I have real concerns that some parents might spend it unwisely and it might make its way to being spent on cigarettes and alcohol, for example, not things that are going to enhance the lives of children.”
The Conservative councillor for North West Dumfries added: “I’m supportive of the voucher system but I have real concerns about the cash option. I have already heard from some parents who have concerns.”
The council put a package of measures in place to ensure children who normally receive free school meals are still catered for during lockdown.
They offer the fortnightly £35 sum per child.
Parents can instead opt to have a food pack delivered to their home or collect one from a designated community hub.
The authority opted to offer cash after the Scottish Child Poverty Action Group urged councils to provide direct payments to
families who normally receive free school meals.
A council spokesman said: “In Dumfries and Galloway, the option of food vouchers was considered but access to supermarkets in rural areas is limited and food vouchers cause stigma for families.
“Our council has checks in place to ensure that our most vulnerable families are supported and the list of families receiving direct payments is shared with social work services each week.”
He added: “The need for communities to look out for the welfare of children is well publicised and there are mechanisms in place for members of the public to report their concerns about a child or family.”
“While we welcome the commitment to continuing provision of free school meals, we believe, along with the dozens of charities, parents groups, unions and churches who have written to to the First Minister, that cash payment is the best way to give families the certainty and flexibility they need to deal with the extra cost of school closures.”
