**Child Poverty Advocates Slam Minister’s £20m Cost Warning on ‘Holiday Hunger Bill’**
**[City/Region, Date]** – Child poverty campaigners have fiercely criticized the education minister, accusing him of attempting to undermine the proposed ‘Holiday Hunger Bill’ after he warned the legislation would immediately cost his department £20 million annually.
The minister’s intervention comes as the bill, aimed at providing food support for vulnerable children during school holidays, faces crucial debate. He stated that such an expenditure would be unmanageable at a time when his department is already struggling significantly to balance its budget.
Campaigners argue that the minister’s focus on the financial implications is a deliberate move to derail a vital initiative. They emphasize the long-term benefits of ensuring children have access to nutritious meals, highlighting concerns over child welfare, health, and educational attainment during school breaks.
“To prioritize budgetary constraints over the fundamental right of children to eat is deeply concerning,” stated a spokesperson for a leading child welfare charity. “This bill is not an optional extra; it is a necessity for thousands of families struggling with food insecurity. The minister’s remarks appear designed to sabotage a critical piece of legislation.”
However, the education minister remains firm on his stance, reiterating the severe financial pressure his department is under. “While the intent of the ‘Holiday Hunger Bill’ is understood, we must face the reality of our financial situation,” the minister said. “An immediate and recurring cost of £20 million a year is simply not feasible given our current struggles to maintain existing services and balance the books.”
The proposed ‘Holiday Hunger Bill’ seeks to extend free school meal provisions or similar food support schemes to cover periods when schools are closed, such as half-terms and summer holidays, to combat child hunger outside of term time.
The clash sets the stage for a tense period as the bill progresses, with campaigners vowing to redouble their efforts to secure its passage despite the minister’s significant financial warnings.
