By Nick Statham

Hard up families have been delivered a lifeline as letters offering free school meals to thousands more kids across Stockport begin dropping through letterboxes.

Households that receive council tax support, housing benefit or both – but  whose children do not currently qualify for free school meals – will be eligible from the start of the new academic year in September.

It means more than 3,000 extra youngsters will get a paid-for hot meal at school or college.

The Stockport council initiative has been designed to support residents during the 'cost of living crisis' – extending the offer to low-income families who do not benefit from the nationally funded free school meal support (FSM).

It applies to children aged between seven and 18 who live in Stockport, including those who go to non-Stockport schools and those who have gone on to college and other forms of further education.

The £1.8m package – paid for by one-off council funding – was proposed by Labour at the start of the year and incorporated in the Lib Dem administration's budget, which was passed in February.

The support is worth  around £500 per year for every eligible young person.

Cllr Jilly Julian, cabinet member for finance and resources said she was 'so proud to be launching this scheme to help support our residents during the ongoing cost of living crisis'.

"The scheme means that every Stockport child living in a low-income family will have the opportunity to receive a free meal every school day for the next academic year, regardless of whether they go to school or college within our borough or not," said Cllr Julian.

"This is a huge programme for our borough and I'm proud to be a part of a council making this possible." 

 "We know how important it is that our children and young people enjoy a daily hot meal in order to reach their full potential. This programme will make a real difference to the lives of children within Stockport."

Cllr Christine Carrigan, who proposed the Labour motion in January, said she was 'absolutely delighted' that it had 'finally becoming a reality'.

"As Labour  councillors, we didn't get elected to sit back and watch hard-pressed families struggle we came here  to support and try and improve people's lives," she said.

"This expansion of free school meals will help do that. It provides real support to families that  depend on council tax support, housing benefit or both but, perversely, don't currently qualify for free school meals." 

Cllr David Meller, leader of the Labour group on Stockport council, said his party had 'led' on the scheme, despite being in opposition.

"Over the next year, we'll continue to provide the leadership Stockport needs," he said.

"We'll focus on  ensuring this council supports those who need it most, as well as getting the basic services the council offers right. We'll also monitor the success of this scheme and consider how it has improved."

Parents who receive a letter will be asked to complete a short online form before schools and colleges break up for the summer holidays. The council will also provide telephone support to help eligible families take up the offer.