Northumberland’s Labour Group has reacted to the government’s announcement that they will not be providing free school meals or vouchers over the half term holiday.

Deputy leader of the Labour group and Northumberland’s shadow cabinet member for children’s services Scott Dickinson said: “Not content with providing inadequate food parcels the government is, once again, adding insult to injury by saying it will not support families over the half term holiday.

“They don’t seem to understand that many families are at breaking point and they need support. Saying they are not prepared to continue free school meals for one single week to help families during half term is such a slap in the face for struggling families and, of course, it’s children who suffer.

“The government doesn’t seem to want to listen to Her Majesty’s opposition, who are there, not only to hold the government to account for its actions, but also to represent its constituents’ views.

“We know this is a challenging time for the government but to penalise one of the most vulnerable groups in our society – our children – at this very difficult time seems cruel and mean spirited.

“We will be taking this up at a local, regional and national level. We sincerely hope that common sense prevails and the government does the right thing by the children of this country.”