Free School Meals Cut

[Kromovaracun]

http://www.theweek.co.uk/92272/children-to-go-hungry-after-free-school-meals-cuts

English families on Universal Credit have had their income threshold for free school meals cut.

Families in Northern Ireland have, notably, been exempt from the legislation: goo.gl/yxLWyp

Good idea?

[New Judge]

“…and I hardly think a compulsory sterilisation programme for the unemployed is the way to go”

Incredible as it may seem, there are other methods available to prevent conception.

“But the price of living in a free society is that people are free to make bad choices.”

Of course they are. But the current system unfortunately leaves other people not quite so free to decline to pick up the bill for their folly.

I’m not talking about people who make the odd mistake or suffer an unavoidable illness or misfortune. That’s what the welfare system is for. I’m talking about those who deliberately choose to worsen their parlous state by conceiving children that they know they cannot afford. Such a luxury is not available to those who choose to support themselves and want to continue to do so. They have to think very carefully before they expand their brood.

This “cut” is simply restoring some sanity to the “free school meals” fiasco. There is no earthly reason why children should be fed at somebody else’s expense in school. They are not fed free of charge before they start school so why should they be fed after they begin? When I was at school it was virtually unheard of for children to have free school meals. I think there was one person in my year (of 120) at secondary school. And people then – especially those few who lived on benefits – had nothing like the disposable income available today. The entire welfare system has simply got out of control and if this small step sets it on the road to recovery it should be welcomed.

[Jackdaw33]

When I was at primary school it was a stigma if you were on free dinners. That is back in the 50s, though.

[Kromovaracun]

//I’m talking about those who deliberately choose to worsen their parlous state by conceiving children that they know they cannot afford.//

Why? Do you think those people are the principal/only beneficiaries of free school meals? If so, please provide data.

[New Judge]

"Why? Do you think those people are the principal/only beneficiaries of free school meals? If so, please provide data."

No I'm not suggesting that. What I'm suggesting is that people in those circumstances should take a little responsibility for their own lives and not expect the taxpayer to pick up the bill for all the "mistakes" or "misfortunes" that they suffer.

As far as free school meals go, I believe that no children should be in receipt of them as adequate funds are provided to all parents to sustain their children. Equally I see no reason why children should suddenly be fed free of charge upon reaching school age. They are not provided with free food before they begin school and see no financial reason why they should be so provided when they reach school age.

[Zacs-Master]

Well said NJ. Agree with every word.

I do feel for the kids who go to school hungry most every morning tho.

[Mamyalynne]

There's help available for pre schoolers too, then there's food banks - but don't want to kick off any angst.

[jennyjoan]

I remember working with a lady who had adopted two children - she said I don't understand why parents should be given Child Benefit - if you want children then pay for them.

I always did wonder did she refuse her Child Benefit at the time.

[Cloverjo]

When I was at primary school my dad became unemployed for a while, so my sister and I were entitled to free school meals. My mum refused to claim for them.
There was a stigma then and later into the 80s and 90s.

[jennyjoan]

I loved the school dinners - was the first time I had tasted coconut jam sponge and custard Mmmmm.

[Cloverjo]

There's no reason for any child to go to school hungry though. You can get a bag of porridge oats for 70p, that would last for a couple of weeks. Ok, not everyone's favourite food, but better than being hungry.

[ToraToraTora]

no one is starving in this country, it's about choices, if they choose to spend their benefits on snout and white lightening then that's their choice but don't moan about being hungry. Personally I'd only give them vouchers for food and pay the burton, end of.

[ToraToraTora]

who knows it might inspire the kids to get something better for themselves, it did for me anyway.

[youngmafbog]

Too right TTT, but I wouldnt give them vouchers as they would end up being traded for snout down the local boozer.

I would come up with a deal with Lidl or similar to take parcels of essential food rond. Clearly marked so the neighbors can see.

BTW, you forgot to mention the mobile phones they all seem to be permanently on.

To avoid the genuine cases being caught up I would still pay brass out for first 3 months though.

[murraymints]

TTT that is far too much of a sweeping generalisation..and I beg to differ there is hunger in this land and it is not just benefit recipients either !

[murraymints]

how about you try surviving on benefit for 6 months.. your attitude would change I promise you...

[youngmafbog]

"how about you try surviving on benefit for 6 month"

I suspect TTT would get a job though.

[Mamyalynne]

// Clearly marked so the neighbors can see. //


Perhaps paint something on their doors and give them a handbell to ring too?

[murraymints]

if the jobs are not there it is difficult..I speak as a benefit/job centre adviser of many years standing... it is not that people are unwilling ..

[ToraToraTora]

"how about you try surviving on benefit for 6 months.. your attitude would change I promise you... " - The idea is that you get a job and support yourself if the state keeps someone in comfort then they have no incentive to support themselves. How come all these dole dossers have the latest phones, a car, 60" plasmas with sky TV, booze and snout then? how come whenever one of these families is shown on TV the mum/dad will be puffing a woodbine whilst moaning that chardonnay moonbeam is in need of a KFC?

[fiction-factory]

^not to mention the large dogs and other pets that seem well fed