More children are receiving free school meals

Families will receive supermarket food vouchers for half-term paid for by a government grant and organised by RMBC and schools.

Cllr Victoria Cusworth, Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “For some of our families, this scheme has been a lifeline over the last 12 months and we know that right now many local families are really feeling the pinch.

“Whilst the Government has not heeded the call made by councillors at our recent meeting to protect the Universal Credit uplift, they have provided some one-off funding and we are acting as quickly as we can to once against ensure that reaches those who need it.”

RMBC thanked schools for their continued support in helping deliver the scheme.