Labour will give free school meals to all primary school children

[Cherie]

Paid for by putting VAT on private education fees. As a vote winner it's a good policy, not so sure about funding in in this way given a lot of not particularly rich people just about send their kids to private school so this would policy would make it even more elitist than it already is, increasing tax on very high earners might have been a better way :shrug:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-free-school-meals-universal-primary-school-children-vat-private-school-fees-a7668811.html

[Wizard.]

I think this is disgusting. The majority of state school families can afford to give their children lunches, and the ones who can't are given free school meals. This is some obvious 'steal from the rich, give to the poor' agenda.

[Niamh.]

Paid for by putting VAT on private education fees. As a vote winner it's a good policy, not so sure about funding in in this way given a lot of not particularly rich people just about send their kids to private school so this would policy would make it even more elitist than it already is, increasing tax on very high earners might have been a better way :shrug:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-free-school-meals-universal-primary-school-children-vat-private-school-fees-a7668811.html

Yep, the guy in the middle is always the one punished and squeezed

[Wizard.]

Also, the Shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner is a joke of an MP who couldn't even be arsed to finish school herself.

[ebandit]

...poor kids................or are school meals more palatable these days?

Mark L

[Mystic Mock]

It's an interesting idea, but most School kids use Lunch boxes than eat any food from the School Cafeteria nowadays.

[the truth]

fair play all theyre good for is bankrupting the economy and giving hard working peoples money to those who choose not to work...labour are finished

[Mystic Mock]

Also, the Shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner is a joke of an MP who couldn't even be arsed to finish school herself.

BIB, what's that got to do with her job?

[Mystic Mock]

fair play all theyre good for is bankrupting the economy and giving hard working peoples money to those who choose not to work...labour are finished

Tbf both Labour and Tories aren't doing much with the Benefits situation, unless the Zero Hour Contract is the solution?

[reece(:]

Come thru for the poor

[the truth]

Tbf both Labour and Tories aren't doing much with the Benefits situation, unless the Zero Hour Contract is the solution?
true, the whole thing is a shambles
try towns in wales ....hardly anyone is working , even if they are its 16 hours maximum to keep their working tax and many other benefits...
the trouble is all back to diversity and political correctness...where the idiots in charge decided being a drunk or a woman or better still a pregnant woman was the same as being disabled..
well its not

end result the disabled (and the elderly)have been treated appallingly

the drunks and junkies and teenage pregnant inherit all the handouts

[Ronald.]

Our eldest's childhood best friend's mother was a dinner lady and she always used to smell of packed lunches and school dinners. That unmistakable smell. Even on the weekends if we bumped into her she'd smell of lunch hall. R.

[Mystic Mock]

true, the whole thing is a shambles
try towns in wales ....hardly anyone is working , even if they are its 16 hours maximum to keep their working tax and many other benefits...
the trouble is all back to diversity and political correctness...where the idiots in charge decided being a drunk or a woman or better still a pregnant woman was the same as being disabled..
well its not

end result the disabled (and the elderly)have been treated appallingly

the drunks and junkies and teenage pregnant inherit all the handouts

I have heard about Wales struggling for work, but I think Brexit starting to take effect also hasn't helped them as they benefitted from being in the EU as they was getting extra jobs from mainland Europe which isn't gonna be available as often.

And the elderly always get treated badly in a numerous of ways, I honestly don't know if there's really much that any Government can do there.

I'll give you the disabled, what's going on there is beyond disgusting.

[Northern Monkey]

Our eldest's childhood best friend's mother was a dinner lady and she always used to smell of packed lunches and school dinners. That unmistakable smell. Even on the weekends if we bumped into her she'd smell of lunch hall. R.

A truly insightful viewpoint:laugh:

[the truth]

I have heard about Wales struggling for work, but I think Brexit starting to take effect also hasn't helped them as they benefitted from being in the EU as they was getting extra jobs from mainland Europe which isn't gonna be available as often.

And the elderly always get treated badly in a numerous of ways, I honestly don't know if there's really much that any Government can do there.

I'll give you the disabled, what's going on there is beyond disgusting.

the difference is the way the disabled are treated as as much down to labour as the tories...labour do nothing. they dont even ensure new builds have any lifts...what about the millions of houses with new upvc...99% of them have lips which prevent all wheelchair access? so whilst we argue all day every day about some women being 2% being mens average wage..the disabled cant even get inside 90% of buildings. thats just 1 isssue...remply..shaw trust....new laws on making it illegal to move semit automatic gearboxes from car to car or hand controls for disabled...that basically means if youre disabled it costs you an extra £2000 on top of the price of the cvar EVERY time you buy a car...thank new labour for that stab in the back etc

and how did labour treat the elderly and neglected on the nhs...stafford hospital? mrsa rife etc etc endess cover ups..ceo wages trebling etc

[Northern Monkey]

Well they're probably going to have to provide more food aswell.All the parents of those on packed lunches be like **** paying for pack lunch food when we can get free food at school.Plus lunch lines will be longer.Those poor dinner ladies.

[Tom4784]

It's a nice idea, especially if the food quality is good since it ensures that kids will have at least five balanced meals a week but I agree with the criticism on the funding aspect as well as the fact that kids who need free meals can already get them.

[Northern Monkey]

kids will have at least five balanced meals a day.

Then they'll be obese kids:laugh:

[arista]

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/04/06/13/3F00A34600000578-4384488-image-a-3_1491481437659.jpg
Yes Cherie
a new Tax plan.

That would shake the Schools UP

[arista]

Then they'll be obese kids:laugh:

Blame the Parents
for that NM

[joeysteele]

It's a good policy,anything that helps remove any stigma from children and school meals is commendable.

Funding this the way they say is perhaps needing looking at again.
Done right and funded a better way this should be a possible vote winner.

[armand.kay]

What is the point of this? Kids who need free school meals ready get it. :shrug:

[arista]

Many do not.
So this tax on Private Schools
will fund every school meal.

[the truth]

its a typical labour gimmick, messing abour on the edges and not making any fundamental changes...any chance of an industrial policy for starters?

[Brillopad]

It's a good policy,anything that helps remove any stigma from children and school meals is commendable.

Funding this the way they say is perhaps needing looking at again.
Done right and funded a better way this should be a possible vote winner.

It's cheap, gimmicky vote seeking. As someone already said those in need get them anyway. Wasting money on giving free meals to children who don't need them is a criminal waste of money.

[MB.]

fair play all theyre good for is bankrupting the economy and giving hard working peoples money to those who choose not to work...labour are finished

Yeah, those lazy primary school children, choosing not to work... they should send 'em all down the mines...

[jaxie]

I think once again it shows how out of touch Labour are. I don't think in the big scheme of all things education that this would be a priority for many people. Not to mention. Plus school meals aren't very nutritious.

[the truth]

Yeah, those lazy primary school children, choosing not to work... they should send 'em all down the mines...

I was talking about the parents and you know it, a very disingenuous reply:nono:

[MB.]

You're right, every parent of every primary school child in the country chooses not to work

[the truth]

You're right, every parent of every primary school child in the country chooses not to work

youre lying again, I didnt say that...but some choose not to thats for certain

[jennyjuniper]

Why should people who have worked hard to be able to send their children to private schools, thus saving the state the cost of educating them, have to fork out for other people's children.?
Labour does this every time. They punish the people who have ambition and have achieved something in life, by making them pay for those who just want to live off the state. I'm not saying that every parent whose child attends state school is an underachiever or not doing their best. There are lots of them who work hard.
It just seems to me that Labour is trying to turn Britain into a country of handouts, nannying by the state and apathy.
The rich, by and large have earned their wealth and if labour continues to try to tax them out of existence, maybe all we will be left with is a bankrupt nation. Not only bankrupt of cash, but of moral fibre and the will to succeed.

[the truth]

Why should people who have worked hard to be able to send their children to private schools, thus saving the state the cost of educating them, have to fork out for other people's children.?
Labour does this every time. They punish the people who have ambition and have achieved something in life, by making them pay for those who just want to live off the state. I'm not saying that every parent whose child attends state school is an underachiever or not doing their best. There are lots of them who work hard.
It just seems to me that Labour is trying to turn Britain into a country of handouts, nannying by the state and apathy.
The rich, by and large have earned their wealth and if labour continues to try to tax them out of existence, maybe all we will be left with is a bankrupt nation. Not only bankrupt of cash, but of moral fibre and the will to succeed.
agreed

[Kizzy]

Why isn't VAT already on school fees, It's a tax on goods and services isn't it?

How come only private schools get to tax dodge by claiming charitable status?...

[jaxie]

Why should people who have worked hard to be able to send their children to private schools, thus saving the state the cost of educating them, have to fork out for other people's children.?
Labour does this every time. They punish the people who have ambition and have achieved something in life, by making them pay for those who just want to live off the state. I'm not saying that every parent whose child attends state school is an underachiever or not doing their best. There are lots of them who work hard.
It just seems to me that Labour is trying to turn Britain into a country of handouts, nannying by the state and apathy.
The rich, by and large have earned their wealth and if labour continues to try to tax them out of existence, maybe all we will be left with is a bankrupt nation. Not only bankrupt of cash, but of moral fibre and the will to succeed.

Good post Jenny. :clap1:

[Kizzy]

Ahem...

Former education secretary Michael Gove has slammed independent schools for serving the offspring of the world’s global elite, while using their charitable status to avoid paying taxes in the manner of other private firms.

In a column written for The Times, entitled “Put VAT on school fees and soak the rich”, Mr Gove criticises the current system for still considering the education of the children of “plutocrats and oligarchs” to be a charitable activity. He argues that removing the tax advantages of private schools would boost standards in the state sector and raise vital extra funds.

“Private school fees are VAT-exempt. That tax advantage allows the wealthiest in this country, indeed the very wealthiest in the globe, to buy a prestige service that secures their children a permanent positional edge in society at an effective 20 per cent discount,” Mr Gove wrote.



http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/private-schools-pay-tax-michael-gove-vat-boost-state-education-charity-status-funding-mic-a7597126.html

[Cherie]

Ahem...

Former education secretary Michael Gove has slammed independent schools for serving the offspring of the world’s global elite, while using their charitable status to avoid paying taxes in the manner of other private firms.

In a column written for The Times, entitled “Put VAT on school fees and soak the rich”, Mr Gove criticises the current system for still considering the education of the children of “plutocrats and oligarchs” to be a charitable activity. He argues that removing the tax advantages of private schools would boost standards in the state sector and raise vital extra funds.

“Private school fees are VAT-exempt. That tax advantage allows the wealthiest in this country, indeed the very wealthiest in the globe, to buy a prestige service that secures their children a permanent positional edge in society at an effective 20 per cent discount,” Mr Gove wrote.



http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/private-schools-pay-tax-michael-gove-vat-boost-state-education-charity-status-funding-mic-a7597126.html


so they are ripping off a Tory policy, this just gets better.

[Livia]

Dianne Abbott: "I sent my son to private school so he wouldn't end up in a gang"

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/diane-abbott-i-sent-my-son-to-private-230293

Cobyn and his "don't do as I do, do as I say" mentality, allowing his class hatred to rise to the surface without realising he's targeting the wrong people. My brother sends his three girls to private school, costs them an arm and a leg, they've taken equity from their house, given up holidays and treats, the grandparents have chipped in... another 20% on top of the fees will send the girls back to the state school where they were so badly failed.

[arista]

Yes a Early M.Gove idea.


Now a Labour Plan

[smudgie]

Taxing education for children is ridiculous.
Those that sacrifice holidays and cut down on other things in life to pay for their children's education need a pat on the back not taxing.
They are already saving the state by paying for what the state would otherwise have to pay.

[joeysteele]

It's only aimed at primary school pupils.
Hardly a massive venture.
However I think it will be a welcome policy overall.

[iloveaisleyne]

How does this help anyone? Those who need free school lunches already qualify. If they tax private education fees, they should use the money for something more substantial e.g ensuring schools have the resources to cope with large amounts of pupils.

[Livia]

Corbyn taxing what he perceives as the over-privileged, now his cronies' children have all left private school. A lot like Blair introducing university fees once they'd all enjoyed their free education.

[joeysteele]

All parties have perceived hypocrites in them as to policies they direct at others in govt.

This policy will help in that all primary pupils get free meals and therefore removes part of the stigma from pupils who at present need the free aspect of same.

Anything that helps stop children feeling inferior is a good thing.
Or maybe some like the idea of children 'needing' free school meals being ridiculed for needing same.

Also it at least opens up a proper meal ensured too.
That's a good thing too.

[jaxie]

Dianne Abbott: "I sent my son to private school so he wouldn't end up in a gang"

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/diane-abbott-i-sent-my-son-to-private-230293

Cobyn and his "don't do as I do, do as I say" mentality, allowing his class hatred to rise to the surface without realising he's targeting the wrong people. My brother sends his three girls to private school, costs them an arm and a leg, they've taken equity from their house, given up holidays and treats, the grandparents have chipped in... another 20% on top of the fees will send the girls back to the state school where they were so badly failed.

But I bet Diane would fight tooth and nail to stop anyone elses child getting a break in grammar school. Says it all really. ****ing hypocrite.

[AnnieK]

This will drive the numbers of working class kids out of private education and back into state education therefore not saving money as the number of primary state school places will need to increase, therefore making more mouths to feed. Also, children who are in need of free lunches already get means tested free lunches.

I went to a private school, my parents were working class, I didn't go abroad till i was 18 and could pay for myself, non-uniform day was a nightmare given the number of wealthy kids but hey ho....that's the education my parents absolutely skinted to provide for me....to deprive working class families of having that option by further increasing school fees is detrimental to those kids.....who's going to fix that?

[user104658]

They get free meals up to P3 here and... I have to be totally honest... they feed them utter ****. Just... garbage. Cheap frozen pizza, cheap sausage rolls and chips, etc. Bleugh.

On the other hand I do let my daughter have them more often than not because A) she wants to sit with her friends (packed lunch kids sit at the other end of the hall to school lunch kids) and B) I'm rly lazy :joker:

But she's P3 now so will likely be almost always packed lunch from next year (and I imagine her friends will be too, so solves the main issue). I don't mid her eating that stuff really, it's not her main meal of the day and she has a decent breakfast and dinner so it's just to tide her over really... but I would certainly begrudge paying £2 a day for 3 fish fingers and a handful of chips worth at most about 50p.

[Kizzy]

There was no backlash when council tax was hiked to pay for adult social care.... how is this proposal any different?

[joeysteele]

There was no backlash when council tax was hiked to pay for adult social care.... how is this proposal any different?

It's probably in order for the Conservatives to do what they like Kizzy.
No matter the hardship that may bring or how heartless it may be or who it affects.

[smudgie]

There was no backlash when council tax was hiked to pay for adult social care.... how is this proposal any different?

Probably because kids that actually need free meals already get them.:shrug:

[AnnieK]

There was no backlash when council tax was hiked to pay for adult social care.... how is this proposal any different?

Possibly because that was hiked for everyone - not a targeted select group some of whom are already pushed to the limit to try and provide for their children in the best way that they feel possible.

Those who already qualified for council tax relief still got it and extra help was provided where needed.

[Brillopad]

There was no backlash when council tax was hiked to pay for adult social care.... how is this proposal any different?

Because money would be wasted on children who don't need it. Those that do already receive free school meals. He said it would be provided for all children.

There is a lack of money and it shouldn't be spent on meals that are not needed. It is manipulative and intended to tug at the heart strings of those gullible enough to think children are going hungry at school.

[Livia]

All parties have perceived hypocrites in them as to policies they direct at others in govt.

This policy will help in that all primary pupils get free meals and therefore removes part of the stigma from pupils who at present need the free aspect of same.

Anything that helps stop children feeling inferior is a good thing.
Or maybe some like the idea of children 'needing' free school meals being ridiculed for needing same.

Also it at least opens up a proper meal ensured too.
That's a good thing too.

I don't see that a lot, people liking the idea of children being in need. I don't expect you do either.

As Brillo has said, kids who need free meals already get them. This is just another little campaign in Corbyn's class war, but sadly he's targeting not exclusively rich people, but working class and middle class people who struggle and go without to send their kids to private school. Or maybe some like the idea of people having to remove their kids from a school where they're settled and sticking them back into the state system because they can't afford an extra 20% on fees.

[Northern Monkey]

Fixing a 'problem'that doesn't need fixing and creating more problems.Sounds about right.

[DemolitionRed]

For all of you up in arms about putting VAT on private school fees, the Conservative Government have already announced they are going to do this (back in February). The only difference between Corbyn's and Goves suggestion is, Corbyn wants to give that money back to poorer students and the Conservatives want to use it to to pay the deficit.

[AnnieK]

And I for one am as against any party doing it....nothing to do with who has said what...I'm not blinkered or biased by politics in that way.

[joeysteele]

For all of you up in arms about putting VAT on private school fees, the Conservative Government have already announced they are going to do this (back in February). The only difference between Corbyn's and Goves suggestion is, Corbyn wants to give that money back to poorer students and the Conservatives want to use it to to pay the deficit.

Good point.

[smudgie]

So does EX Educations minister Gove run the country, or the Tories?
The fact that he wrote what he thinks about it in the paper doesn't mean the Tories intend to grant him his wishes..surely.:shrug:

[Ammi]

...it's hard to think of any positives with this, it seems like such a strange proposal by the Labour Party...since the introduction of Universal Free School meals for Key Stage 1 children by the present government, it's meant a huge cut to school's budgets because for each pupil registered as eligible for free school meals, each of those pupils received pupil premium funding to help with their attainment...this funding is vital to also enable schools to be able to subsidise so many things for families who otherwise would have their children missing out and therefore not having the same opportunities as other children have..with the present system of Universal Free School meals for the first 3 years of a school life, it's meant that families no longer need to apply so therefore the funding for their children is not given in the absence of an application....what is being proposed here is to extend that 3 years to 7 years, a child's entire Primary School time...?...so saving many millions of pounds I presume with that alone...?...and that saving and that revenue being taken directly from the families who need it most....just crazy as and an awful proposal that really needs serious thinking about....

[Ammi]

..and that's without the revenue from the tax on private schools...

[arista]

Nice to have you back Ammi

[DemolitionRed]

So does EX Educations minister Gove run the country, or the Tories?
The fact that he wrote what he thinks about it in the paper doesn't mean the Tories intend to grant him his wishes..surely.:shrug:

No but then Corbyn isn't PM either.

[smudgie]

No but then Corbyn isn't PM either.

No, but he is touting it.
As leader of his party.

[joeysteele]

I don't see that a lot, people liking the idea of children being in need. I don't expect you do either.

As Brillo has said, kids who need free meals already get them. This is just another little campaign in Corbyn's class war, but sadly he's targeting not exclusively rich people, but working class and middle class people who struggle and go without to send their kids to private school. Or maybe some like the idea of people having to remove their kids from a school where they're settled and sticking them back into the state system because they can't afford an extra 20% on fees.

I actually do go along with much you say.

I hate the class war in politics,whether that is something like this or the present govts.sledgehamner attitude to the sick and disabled.

I personally like and see merits to this policy but as I said earlier funded by another means.
Also I do think if all primary pupils had free meals that would remove any lingering stigma towards those who need it.

I can however take some of your points on board definitely.

[user104658]

OMG AMMI omg omg omg

omg

[Tom4784]

...it's hard to think of any positives with this, it seems like such a strange proposal by the Labour Party...since the introduction of Universal Free School meals for Key Stage 1 children by the present government, it's meant a huge cut to school's budgets because for each pupil registered as eligible for free school meals, each of those pupils received pupil premium funding to help with their attainment...this funding is vital to also enable schools to be able to subsidise so many things for families who otherwise would have their children missing out and therefore not having the same opportunities as other children have..with the present system of Universal Free School meals for the first 3 years of a school life, it's meant that families no longer need to apply so therefore the funding for their children is not given in the absence of an application....what is being proposed here is to extend that 3 years to 7 years, a child's entire Primary School time...?...so saving many millions of pounds I presume with that alone...?...and that saving and that revenue being taken directly from the families who need it most....just crazy as and an awful proposal that really needs serious thinking about....

QUEEN :love:

[Kizzy]

I don't see that a lot, people liking the idea of children being in need. I don't expect you do either.

As Brillo has said, kids who need free meals already get them. This is just another little campaign in Corbyn's class war, but sadly he's targeting not exclusively rich people, but working class and middle class people who struggle and go without to send their kids to private school. Or maybe some like the idea of people having to remove their kids from a school where they're settled and sticking them back into the state system because they can't afford an extra 20% on fees.


And Brillos opinion is gospel, what was it you were saying about opinions on that other thread again?
Countless teachers have a different perspective, I'll go with them as there is some basis in fact in their opinion.
Who's to say the fees would increase? Maybe they could allocate a percentage of what the fees are currently?

[joeysteele]

Mo And Brillos opinion is gospel, what was it you were saying about opinions on that other thread again?
Countless teachers have a different perspective, I'll go with them as there is some basis in fact in their opinion.
Who's to say the fees would increase? Maybe they could allocate a percentage of what the fees are currently?

I passed over that bit at the start of your post,like you I give my opinion and it is up to others to disagree or agree with me.
It is true,those who need free meals do get them but some suffer stigma for that.

This policy would remove any ridiculing of children getting free meals as all would get it.
So in fact this in part, funded another way, actually helps remove a possible class divide on the issue.
That's how I see it anyway in part.

Not needing to quote others to make a petty jibe at someone, just my opinion.

[Livia]

I actually do go along with much you say.

I hate the class war in politics,whether that is something like this or the present govts.sledgehamner attitude to the sick and disabled.

I personally like and see merits to this policy but as I said earlier funded by another means.
Also I do think if all primary pupils had free meals that would remove any lingering stigma towards those who need it.

I can however take some of your points on board definitely.

I'm not against primary school kids in state schools having free meals, I'm totally against people who scrimp and scrape to send their kids to private school being robbed to the tune of 20%. I see we share some ground on this.



And Brillos opinion is gospel, what was it you were saying about opinions on that other thread again?
Countless teachers have a different perspective, I'll go with them as there is some basis in fact in their opinion.
Who's to say the fees would increase? Maybe they could allocate a percentage of what the fees are currently?


Sigh.... I said "as Brillo has said..." to save me stating it all over again. How come I can't do that, but you can?

Will you please leave me alone? It's tiresome having to explain myself to you continually. Do you think joeysteele can't answer for himself? That's who I was talking to. Not you.

[joeysteele]

Absolutely Livia, I see some merits to the policy but I do feel the plan of funding it,is being planned from the wrong source.
I'd hope it is looked at.again and the funding raised from elsewhere.I

[Livia]

Absolutely Livia, I see some merits to the policy but I do feel the plan of funding it,is being planned from the wrong source.
I'd hope it is looked at.again and the funding raised from elsewhere.I

And you know, for the record... I don't think Corbyn is a bad man. I think he has some very honourable intentions. I do think he is going about it the wrong way. He needs to engage the core Labour voters which he doesn't seem to be doing right now. We do need a strong Labour party... we need a strong opposition to hold the government to account but they're so wrapped up in their own mess at the moment it's not happening. I hope they sort themselves out.

[Northern Monkey]

And you know, for the record... I don't think Corbyn is a bad man. I think he has some very honourable intentions. I do think he is going about it the wrong way. He needs to engage the core Labour voters which he doesn't seem to be doing right now. We do need a strong Labour party... we need a strong opposition to hold the government to account but they're so wrapped up in their own mess at the moment it's not happening. I hope they sort themselves out.

Totally agree

[joeysteele]

And you know, for the record... I don't think Corbyn is a bad man. I think he has some very honourable intentions. I do think he is going about it the wrong way. He needs to engage the core Labour voters which he doesn't seem to be doing right now. We do need a strong Labour party... we need a strong opposition to hold the government to account but they're so wrapped up in their own mess at the moment it's not happening. I hope they sort themselves out.


I think it is a good thing no early election is likely forthcoming for Labour.
I don't believe Jeremy Corbyn will lead Labour in an election in 2020.

I do believe Corbyn's best legacy now would be the cementing of some of his main policies,which do seem to have popular support from good numbers.

However he is not reaching the voters vitally needed, you can hold the undying loyal support of those around you for sure but not gathering that much needed new support from voters, leaves no room to progress.

Very sad is the way I look at UK politics right now.

[Northern Monkey]

I do like some of Corbyns policies.They are solid Labour ideas that i would like to vote for in a Labour party.It's just some of his hard left rhetoric and values that i think let it down for many.On top of his apparent inability to get much done or unite the party and his wishy washy stance on certain issues.
For me though Corbyn isn't the only part of Labours image crisis.Some of the people around him like Abbott and McDonnell are as much to blame.
Corbyn seems like a nice fella but a leader he is not imo.
I would like a whole new leadership before 2020 so i can vote Labour again and i think there are many people like me.

[DemolitionRed]

In recent years, many private schools have raised their prices a whopping 50% and they can do this because they can source from countries like SA, Russia, China and Dubai who's parents are often willing to pay big fees. Parents can tax dodge by allowing the school to accrue school fees in advance because private schools are a registered charity who don't pay VAT.

Its not the parents of these children who should be paying extra because of VAT but the schools themselves and this money should, imo be used for more bursaries or lowering degree fees.

Edited to add, it seems unfair that the richest school fee payers get the biggest opportunity to tax dodge.

[Livia]

I think it is a good thing no early election is likely forthcoming for Labour.
I don't believe Jeremy Corbyn will lead Labour in an election in 2020.

I do believe Corbyn's best legacy now would be the cementing of some of his main policies,which do seem to have popular support from good numbers.

However he is not reaching the voters vitally needed, you can hold the undying loyal support of those around you for sure but not gathering that much needed new support from voters, leaves no room to progress.

Very sad is the way I look at UK politics right now.

I have it on good authority - ie gossip from the Tories I used to work with - that the consensus of opinion in Matthew Parker Street is that Theresa is keen on calling an early election while they're unexpectedly doing well in by-elections and while Labour's ratings are low. I really, really think that would be a mistake all round.

[joeysteele]

I have it on good authority - ie gossip from the Tories I used to work with - that the consensus of opinion in Matthew Parker Street is that Theresa is keen on calling an early election while they're unexpectedly doing well in by-elections and while Labour's ratings are low. I really, really think that would be a mistake all round.

I think the temptation to hold one,needing to overturn the fixed term parliament act or hope for 438 MPs to vote for one,must be hard to resist.

She may be wiser waiting for the new boundaries.

Elections can be difficult,fought amidst the EU issue could have problems for all Parties too.

You know I cannot bear the woman but it must be an almost unable to resist in part idea, for her to dive in for an election.
Labour also would find a problem as so many policies,even popular ones, have flaws as to planning or funding of same,such as this School meals policy.

If I were PM however,I think I would be seriously thinking of an election soon.
Although I equally think the polls are not as wide as suggested.

[Kizzy]

Sigh.... I said "as Brillo has said..." to save me stating it all over again. How come I can't do that, but you can?

Will you please leave me alone? It's tiresome having to explain myself to you continually. Do you think joeysteele can't answer for himself? That's who I was talking to. Not you.

This is a forum, you address me both directly and indirectly, I can interject where I see fit to.

I see it's ok for people to kick their heels up about tax breaks for married couples and the like not caring of the cuts that have to be made to absorb those?

Here is some information for you, the 'squeezed middle' were priced out years ago.

'Over five years fees are up by an average of 21pc across Britain. Over 13 years - the duration of a child's full schooling - fees have roughly doubled.'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/investing/funds/five-ways-to-meet-the-156653-cost-of-private-school/


“Children living in poverty often suffer more ill-health and absenteeism from school and cannot concentrate when they are hungry.

“Teachers and other public service workers are struggling to pick up the pieces caused by this Government’s economic and social policies. It has a responsibility to tackle, not generate, poverty and homelessness.”

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/a-third-of-teachers-have-given-food-to-hungry-pupils-poll-finds-a6813306.html

[Beso]

An easy promise to make cause that shower of lying ****ey bastards are about 20 years away from getting back in.:joker::joker:

[Kizzy]

...it's hard to think of any positives with this, it seems like such a strange proposal by the Labour Party...since the introduction of Universal Free School meals for Key Stage 1 children by the present government, it's meant a huge cut to school's budgets because for each pupil registered as eligible for free school meals, each of those pupils received pupil premium funding to help with their attainment...this funding is vital to also enable schools to be able to subsidise so many things for families who otherwise would have their children missing out and therefore not having the same opportunities as other children have..with the present system of Universal Free School meals for the first 3 years of a school life, it's meant that families no longer need to apply so therefore the funding for their children is not given in the absence of an application....what is being proposed here is to extend that 3 years to 7 years, a child's entire Primary School time...?...so saving many millions of pounds I presume with that alone...?...and that saving and that revenue being taken directly from the families who need it most....just crazy as and an awful proposal that really needs serious thinking about....

Hello Ammi welcome back :)

Was thinking do schools have to factor in the costings of school meals provision into their annual budget, if so would that then be be freed up for other things with that debt removed?

[Brillopad]

This is a forum, you address me both directly and indirectly, I can interject where I see fit to.

I see it's ok for people to kick their heels up about tax breaks for married couples and the like not caring of the cuts that have to be made to absorb those?

Here is some information for you, the 'squeezed middle' were priced out years ago.

'Over five years fees are up by an average of 21pc across Britain. Over 13 years - the duration of a child's full schooling - fees have roughly doubled.'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/investing/funds/five-ways-to-meet-the-156653-cost-of-private-school/


“Children living in poverty often suffer more ill-health and absenteeism from school and cannot concentrate when they are hungry.

“Teachers and other public service workers are struggling to pick up the pieces caused by this Government’s economic and social policies. It has a responsibility to tackle, not generate, poverty and homelessness.”

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/a-third-of-teachers-have-given-food-to-hungry-pupils-poll-finds-a6813306.html

What's the relevance of that when children entitled to school meals get them anyway. The issue is with giving them to children whose parents can afford to pay for them. We cannot afford to waste public funds like that. The thing is simply an attempted vote winner.

[Kizzy]

What's the relevance of that when children entitled to school meals get them anyway. The issue is with giving them to children whose parents can afford to pay for them. We cannot afford to waste public funds like that. The thing is simply an attempted vote winner.

Maybe less and less parents can afford them? means testing them I would think with 0hr contracts and things be a nightmare paperchase, that could be avoided.
Its kind of like a little tax break if you'd prefer to look at it like that what are school meals now about £10 a week? so that's approx £40 a month saving for families during term times.

[user104658]

I personally don't think they need to be free for all, other than perhaps to simplify the process and remove administration issues (keeping track of who is and isn't entitled at a school level). On the other hand, the supposed means testing currently is bull**** from what I can see... It is essentially only available to families who are not in work or only in a small amount of part time work, it is not available to families who are in work but on low income... Whose overall household budget is probably the same as or lower than families out of work (due to things like travel costs and crippling private rents, etc.)

It needs to be heavily adjusted upwards and be based on overall household income, NOT something so arbitrary as receiving full Child Tax Credits but no Working Tax Credits (this is how it currently works).


But then to go back to what I said earlier, to be totally honest the quality of school meals is still poor. Despite all of the action that's been going on around them for years. My eldest is still 7 so paying for them isn't an issue yet (all kids get them free until age 7) but next year... I just refuse on principle. The food they give them is simply not £2 a day worth of food. Cheap, bought in bulk, cooked in bulk, nutritionally void crap. Most of the kids barely touch it anyway, a couple of bites and then straight to play... They don't want to "waste" their lunch time actually eating :joker:. Will be back to packed lunches for Little Ms Soldier.

[Niamh.]

I personally don't think they need to be free for all, other than perhaps to simplify the process and remove administration issues (keeping track of who is and isn't entitled at a school level). On the other hand, the supposed means testing currently is bull**** from what I can see... It is essentially only available to families who are not in work or only in a small amount of part time work, it is not available to families who are in work but on low income... Whose overall household budget is probably the same as or lower than families out of work (due to things like travel costs and crippling private rents, etc.)

It needs to be heavily adjusted upwards and be based on overall household income, NOT something so arbitrary as receiving full Child Tax Credits but no Working Tax Credits (this is how it currently works).


But then to go back to what I said earlier, to be totally honest the quality of school meals is still poor. Despite all of the action that's been going on around them for years. My eldest is still 7 so paying for them isn't an issue yet (all kids get them free until age 7) but next year... I just refuse on principle. The food they give them is simply not £2 a day worth of food. Cheap, bought in bulk, cooked in bulk, nutritionally void crap. Most of the kids barely touch it anyway, a couple of bites and then straight to play... They don't want to "waste" their lunch time actually eating :joker:. Will be back to packed lunches for Little Ms Soldier.

No primary schools that I've ever come across have canteens here, everyone brings a packed lunch and most schools don't allow, crisps, chocolate, sweets or fizzy drinks

[user104658]

No primary schools that I've ever come across have canteens here, everyone brings a packed lunch and most schools don't allow, crisps, chocolate, sweets or fizzy drinks
My dad talks about how he used to take two potatoes to school, they would be hot in the morning and he'd have them in his pockets to keep his hands warm and then he'd eat them at lunch time.

I assume this is still standard school lunch practice in Ireland. :hee:

[Niamh.]

My dad talks about how he used to take two potatoes to school, they would be hot in the morning and he'd have them in his pockets to keep his hands warm and then he'd eat them at lunch time.

I assume this is still standard school lunch practice in Ireland. :hee:

:laugh:

Of course

[Kizzy]

My dad talks about how he used to take two potatoes to school, they would be hot in the morning and he'd have them in his pockets to keep his hands warm and then he'd eat them at lunch time.

I assume this is still standard school lunch practice in Ireland. :hee:

That's both practical and delicious! Why the heck didn't I think of that? :laugh: