Andrew George expresses concern over Cornwall Council free school meals funding shortfall

West Cornwall MP, Andrew George, has once again called on Government Ministers to give Cornwall Council a fairer share of the Government local authority funding support, after it emerged that Cornwall Council is facing a shortfall of more than £425,000 to provide free school meals for infant pupils.

Mr George said, “Cornwall has received significantly less funding than its urban counterparts for many years. In fact, rural councils receive 50% less money per head than their urban counterparts. This is due to a skewed funding formula, adopted by successive Governments.

“The ongoing financial squeeze is having a direct impact upon the ability of Cornwall Council to provide the required funding for Cornwall’s schools, social services, hospitals, libraries, fire services, housing and other essential public services.

“It is a ludicrous state of affairs. It is topsy-turvy funding. If funding were being distributed to local authorities on the basis of need and social deprivation then places like Cornwall would be receiving above, rather than below the national average.

“Our local schools must be made to feel confident that the free school meals for infants scheme will happen. I will be writing to all primary schools in the constituency on this matter.”

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