THE LACK of universal support for Northumberland families in need of free school meals has been slammed by Labour councillors.

The leader and deputy leader of the Labour group, Coun. Susan Dungworth and Scott Dickinson, told Northumberland County Council leader, Glen Sanderson, that ‘it appears that the council is not taking this issue seriously and is not going to provide universal support for families in receipt of free school meals as other councils in the North-East, and indeed the whole country, are doing’.

Last week, North Tyneside and Newcastle City councils were two of numerous councils throughout the country to announce support for families during the holidays.

However, instead of directly announcing a support package for free school meals, Northumberland County Council revealed extra funding to support communities through Covid schemes.

The move was met with criticism from opposition councillors due to the lack of a countywide scheme.

They added: “It is not the responsibility of ward councillors nor the appropriate use of the small schemes allowance to fund vouchers for families, nor do the vast majority of town or parish councils have the capacity to do so.

Independent councillor for Rothbury which covers Elsdon, Coun. Steven Bridgett, labelled the news 'rushed and ill-thought-out'.