Campaigners have accused Northern Ireland Education Minister Paul Givan of trying to undermine a proposed Stormont law designed to assist low-income families with food costs during school breaks. The Holiday Meals Payment Bill, introduced by Sinn Féin assembly member Danny Baker, would establish a new payment for children currently eligible for free school meals.
Givan, a member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), has raised concerns that the legislation would impose an immediate annual cost of £20m on his department, which is already grappling with budgetary constraints. He previously warned Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in April that supporting the scheme would necessitate cuts to existing education spending.
In response, Givan has tabled amendments that would grant him the discretion to decide when the payments come into effect. The proposals are modeled on the School Holiday Food Grant scheme introduced during the pandemic, which provided qualifying families with £27 per child every fortnight.
Major charities, including the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and Save the Children, argue that the amendments remove any guarantee regarding when payments might begin. A coalition of these groups has urged all political parties and MLAs to reject the changes and support the bill in its current form.
Baker described the minister’s actions as an attempt to obstruct the bill, stating, “His proposals would give him control over when, if ever, holiday hunger payments begin. This is an attempt to delay and undermine legislation that has the support of the majority of parties in the assembly.” He noted that the matter is scheduled for discussion in the assembly on Monday.
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has also expressed reservations about the proposal, though it remains unclear whether Givan will secure the necessary support for his amendments to pass. A Department of Education spokesperson defended the changes, asserting they do not seek to block the bill but rather reflect the department’s duty to manage its budget responsibly amid significant financial challenges across the education system.
The spokesperson added that the core provisions of the bill remain intact, including eligibility criteria, payment levels, holiday coverage, and the responsibilities of the Education Authority.
Twenty million isn’t trivial in this economy, but starving children shouldn’t be the price of balance. Where’s the priority?
Discretionary power over child welfare? This is clearly a delay tactic, not financial prudence. The kids can’t wait.