Borough Council Leader Cllr. Steve Siddons has issued a statement this afternoon.
Here is his statement in full:
"The rights and wrongs of the provision of free school meals is for others to address. The county council (North Yorkshire County Council) is responsible for education and free school meals provision and it is for them to communicate what action they deem necessary.
"However, what does concern me is the additional pressure this is placing on our local voluntary agencies. These community organisations do a fantastic job in delivering services and support to the most vulnerable across the borough on a daily basis. We cannot expect them to take on these additional costs alone.
"That is why I and my Cabinet colleagues are today organising a grant payment to those voluntary groups who continue to provide food during this half term holiday, helping them to deliver to our most vulnerable children.
"Let us not forget, this borough has previously been given the dubious title of low paid capital of the UK, it has some of the most deprived areas in North Yorkshire, and is facing immense challenges with regards to employment for the people of our towns and villages, particularly those suffering the effects caused by this pandemic.
"I would also like to use this opportunity to place on record the heartfelt thanks of all of us to those businesses who have offered meals to families who will struggle this holiday.
"I very much hope that families will not be in this situation again.”
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