Children who receive free school meals will continue to receive vouchers from their schools over February half term in the city and county.
Department for Education advice issued last week said: “Schools do not need to provide lunch parcels or vouchers during the February half-term.”
However the Conservative-controlled county council, and Labour-run city council, have both said they will continue distributing funds to schools, which can then be given out as vouchers to families.
But Nottinghamshire, £2.3 million share of the Government's Winter Covid Grant - partly spent over Christmas - has been spread out so that enough was left to spend over the February half term, and families will continue to get payments.
The government set up the package last November, under pressure from anti-poverty campaigner and footballer Marcus Rashford.
At least 80 percent of the £2.3 million will go to families, while the remaining funds can be spent on vulnerable families for costs like utility bills.
As well as parents with school-age children, school leavers, those in early-years education and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children are also eligible for support.
Yesterday (Monday, January 18), county council bosses said a decision had been made to ensure families would still continue to receive the £15 a week over the upcoming holiday.
The county council’s director for children, Colin Pettigrew, told the meeting yesterday: “You’ll be aware in the media that there’s quite a growing view that there should be free school meals for all children in the February half term, well in fact in Nottinghamshire that’s already sorted, in terms of the commitment this council made, because of the decision to invest the grant in the way we’ve done.
Labour’s children spokeswoman, councillor Liz Plant, who represents West Bridgford North, said: “There has been nothing but chaos and confusion with regard to the Government’s response to free school meals provision in the holidays during the pandemic, and at every turn it seems the Government has been shamed into doing the right thing rather than actually wanting to do the right thing."
Councillor Philip Owen is the chairman of the committee which took the decision yesterday, and represents Nuthall and Kimberley for the Conservatives.
He said: “Many families here in Nottinghamshire, and across our country, have been badly affected by the coronavirus. Some of us have lost loved ones. Others have lost their jobs and incomes, through no fault of their own.
“We need to do all we can to help vulnerable people who are struggling, including parents with young children, so they can continue to cover essential costs this winter.
“I’m pleased that this funding is being used to help our communities get through some very tough times and look forward to a brighter future.”
