Thousands of children in the North West can’t access free school meals due to not meeting the criteria to be eligible.
It’s all been revealed as part of a shocking new study.
The new analysis, which has been carried out by Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) and Greater Manchester Poverty Action (GMPA), has discovered that every North West local authority has at least 1,500 school-aged children in poverty who are not eligible for free school meals because the qualifying criteria for them is “so restrictive”.
Here in Greater Manchester alone, every one of our region’s 10 boroughs has more than 3,000 children unable to access the crucial service.
Manchester is the local Council with the highest number, at 10,500 eligible children.
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Thousands of North West children can’t get free school meals due to ‘restrictive’ criteria / gov.uk
The next highest borough is Bolton at 5,500, with Oldham following close behind at 5,000, and Salford, Rochdale, and Wigan following that at 4,000, while at the other end of the spectrum, Stockport and Bury are the boroughs with the lowest number at 3,000.
These disheartening statistics – which have been published in a full report this week – is exactly why researchers are urging local leaders to do all they can to ensure more little Mancs can get free lunches during school hours.
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While the report does highlight examples of local action being taken in the North West to increase access for families, it then crucially goes on to encouraging local leaders join national calls for expansion of free school meal entitlement.
However, researchers have conceded that it’s not just down to local Councils to make changes.
🚀 NOW LIVE: 'Free school meals in the North West'.
This report shows that every North West local authority has at least 1,500 school-age children in poverty who are not eligible for free school meals because the qualifying criteria is so restrictive.
“The responsibility ultimately lies with the UK Government to expand provision of free school meals across the country to tackle classroom hunger,” CPAG and GMPA states in the report.
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Reflecting on the findings of the new analysis, and calling on the Government to do more, Graham Whitham, who is the CEO at GMPA, commented: “Child poverty rates have been rising in the North West for a number of years, and families across the region have been hit hard by soaring living costs.
“At a time when every penny counts, it cannot be right that 100,000 North West kids in poverty can’t claim free school meals.
“Low-income families are under immense financial pressure at the moment, and introducing universal free school meals would mean they have that bit extra to spend on other bills and household essentials.
“It would also improve their children’s nutrition, ultimately helping them to learn, engage and thrive.”
Featured Image – gov.uk
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Multi-million pound rail upgrades to cancel trains on major Manchester lines this month
Emily Sergeant
Multi-million pound railway upgrades will take place in Greater Manchester from this weekend.
In a bid to enhance future journeys for both passengers and freight as part of its ongoing summer improvement projects, Network Rail has announced that it will be carrying out major track upgrades in two locations travelling in and out of Manchester this summer.
Starting from this weekend (8-9 August) and then again the following weekend on 15-16 August, a railway junction will be replaced near Guide Bridge, and while the work takes place, no trains will be able to run on the Glossop/Hadfield or Rose Hill Marple lines in or out of Manchester Piccadilly station over both weekends.
Rail replacement buses are planned to keep passengers on the move – but people advised to plan ahead and allow ‘extra time’ for their journeys.
A multi-million pound rail upgrade programme is set to cancel trains on major Manchester lines this month / Credit: Network Rail
The second major scheme will see a midweek closure of the line between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale when engineers return to install a new railway turnback.
While this is being carried out, no trains will run from Monday 10 August until the morning of Saturday 15 August, and once again rail replacement buses are planned to serve the route instead.
Network Rail is thanking passengers in advance for their cooperation.
“We know there’s never an ideal time to shut the railway, so I’d like to thank passengers in advance for their patience while we carry out these essential railway improvements next week,” commented Lorna Samways, who is a senior sponsor at Network Rail.
“Both projects are major investments to improve rail journeys for passengers and freight in future.
“I’d advise passengers planning to travel between 8-16 August to check National Rail Enquiries so they know exactly what to expect from their journey.”
Featured Image – Network Rail
News
A new dedicated Macmillan Cancer Support centre has opened at Stepping Hill hospital in Stockport
Danny Jones
In great news not only for Stockport locals but many more around the region, a brand-new cancer research support centre backed by Macmillan has opened at Stepping Hill Hospital.
Hoping to help Stopfordians, as well as those living in the High Peak region of Derbyshire and other Greater Manchester locals, the dedicated facility officially opened last week.
Operating on a walk-in-only basis, not only will there be no appointments necessary, but it will also be open five days a week.
Based at the back of the Medical and Surgical Building entrance and to the rear of Outpatients Department C at Stepping Hill, further signposting is already helping direct people to the site.
Macmillan Cancer Support Centre Manager, Joe WiechaVarious resources and reading materials are available
As well as aiming to provide a comforting space and alternative to both the hospital and/or the usual home/care settings for patients, visitors and staff alike, it is set to offer a regular programme of events and activities moving forward, including
Future plans for the centre will include a programme of events and activities, including Macmillan’s long-running and popular coffee mornings, wellbeing sessions, visits from partner organisations like Citizens Advice and more.
The NHS, Stepping Hill and the Macmillan organisation as a whole also intend to expand beyond the hospital itself in the coming years.
Delivering a minimum of six hours of support every weekday, it will no doubt offer an invaluable outlet and service to the borough and beyond.
Speaking on the opening, Joe Wiecha – the centre manager heading up the space – said in a statement: “It’s been fantastic for the centre to finally open and welcome our very first visitors. Whoever you are, and whatever your experience of cancer, you will always receive a warm welcome at our centre.”
“Whether you’re living with cancer, supporting a family member or friend, or adjusting to life beyond treatment, our team is here to listen, support you, and help you access the information, services, and guidance you need.”
Once again, Macmillan Support Centre Stepping Hill is open from 10am-4pm from Monday-Friday, and can be contacted via email or over the phone at 0161 419 4582.
Emily Sergeant -
9th February 2024 
