BURY North MP James Daly has penned an open letter regarding his decision to support the government regarding the issue of free school meals.

Mr Daly voted against an extension of free school meals, but has defended the government's track record on the topic.

The campaign, launched by football star Marcus Rashford and brought forward in the commons by Labour, was rejected in a parliamentary vote.

Mr Daly said that he was "determined to ensure families in Bury, Ramsbottom & Tottington get the support they need" and that he believes the best way to go about it is through the welfare system, rather than schools.

Bury council recently announced that it would provide food vouchers for almost 8,000 children over the half term holiday.

Labour recently pledged to force another Commons vote if it does not U-turn on its refusal to provide free school meals in England during the holidays, as some conservative MPs admitted the government may have misjudged the mood of the country on the topic.

Labour leader Keir Starmer said his party would push for another vote if there is no change of course before Christmas.

Mr Daly said in his letter: "When schools were largely closed during lockdown, the government took the right approach in extending free school meals support to all those eligible. Families received over £380 million in supermarket vouchers through the National Voucher Scheme.

"Strengthening our welfare safety net is the right approach and I’m glad the government has now added an additional £9.3 billion this financial year, which means an extra £1,040 for families on Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits. The Government has added £20 a week to Universal Credit, which will continue through half term, Christmas, the spring half term and the Easter holidays. Additionally, the local housing allowance has been increased."

He also cited the government funding for Bury - including nearly £230,000 for local families who are suffering hardships such as difficulty buying food and other essentials.

He added: "It was right that Ministers recognised the extremely difficult situation families have been put in by coronavirus and took the appropriate action.

"I would urge any family in this position in Bury, Ramsbottom & Tottington who requires assistance, to contact me and I will help in any way I can."

FULL LETTER FROM JAMES DALY MP:

LAST week I voted to support existing Government policy that ensures Bury Council has the resources to help those families in our area who are struggling to afford food and essential supplies. Councils are expertly placed to tackle this issue, using their localised knowledge to prioritise support for those most in need but they must be resourced from central Government to do this.

The Government has provided £229,549 to Bury MBC for the express purpose of supporting those local families who need assistance to buy food and other essentials. This money is ring-fenced and cannot be used for any other purpose and was sent to our local council in August.

Bury Council are spending £88,000 to provide Free School Meal Vouchers for those eligible during the October Half Term. This will come from the aforementioned funding and the money provided by the Government was put in place for this reason. It allows Local Authorities to make the correct policy decisions that will benefit the most vulnerable families who are struggling to provide meals for their children.

I have been informed that the remaining £140,000 will be put into a fund to support families who are suffering hardships due to the requirement to self-isolate, assisting them to purchase food and other essential items.

I am determined to ensure families in Bury, Ramsbottom & Tottington get the support they need. I believe the best way to do that is through the welfare system, rather than through schools, which is the reason why I supported the Government funding provision outlined above.

When schools were largely closed during lockdown, the government took the right approach in extending free school meals support to all those eligible. Families received over £380 million in supermarket vouchers through the National Voucher Scheme.

Strengthening our welfare safety net is the right approach and I’m glad the government has now added an additional £9.3 billion this financial year, which means an extra £1,040 for families on Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits. The Government has added £20 a week to Universal Credit, which will continue through half term, Christmas, the spring half term and the Easter holidays. Additionally, the local housing allowance has been increased.

The Government will continue to support our most vulnerable families and children ensuring those who are eligible for free school meals continue to receive them if required to self-isolate. Free school meals have also been extended to families who have no recourse to public funds and to all infant pupils attending school, including Reception, year 1 and year 2. Furthermore, an additional £16m has been given to food charities throughout the country since the beginning of the pandemic.

Last week Bury MBC received a further £3.32 million from the Government to support services and provision for the most vulnerable in our community. This is in addition to the £12.3 million already provided in emergency funding to our Council during the pandemic period for the same purpose

It was right that Ministers recognised the extremely difficult situation families have been put in by coronavirus and took the appropriate action.

I would urge any family in this position in Bury, Ramsbottom & Tottington who requires assistance, to contact me and I will help in any way I can.