The Tories have hit back at claims by Labour that some of Watford’s poorest children will go hungry following a decision by Parliament to reduce children’s free school meal eligibility.

Watford Labour’s parliamentary candidate Chris Ostrowski, said he was “outraged” by the House of Commons vote to reduce eligibility which he described as the Conservatives as showing their “true colours”.

Watford Observer:

Chris Ostrowski (pictured) says the vote represents a "shameful Tory cut"

Families on Universal Credit, a single monthly payment for people out of work or on low income, are are currently able to claim free school meals.

But from April 1, children in Year Three and above, whose families are on Universal Credit in England, will not automatically be eligible if their parents earn more than £7,400.

Children in England who are in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are all entitled to free schoolmeals and that will not change.

More than 26,000 children in Hertfordshire have had a guaranteed meal while at school, but Mr Ostrowski believes some of Watford’s poorest children may now go hungry.

He said: “By imposing these limits on families currently receiving universal credit, this Tory government has shown their true colours.

“Some children in Watford will be left without a hot meal.

“This is a shameful Tory cut and it also undermines the Tories’ stated aim of Universal Credit - to make work pay.

“Moving just above the income threshold would leave families hundreds of pounds worse off for each child affected.

“The Children’s Society estimates that this measure could affect over a million children across the country.”

But Watford MP Richard Harrington hit back saying: “To be clear, no one who is currently eligible for free school meals under Universal Credit will lose their entitlement, which is absolutely right.

“In fact, under Universal Credit, 50,000 more children will receive school meals by 2022 than they would have done under the previous benefits system."

Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden also voted in favour of reducing eligibility.

Watford Observer:

Oliver Dowden 

He said: “As someone who was eligible for free school meals for a time as a child, I know how important this is to struggling families and have examined it carefully.

"No one who is currently receiving free school meals under Universal Credit will lose their entitlement, because of the transitional protections we are putting in place.”

The vote was passed by 312 to 264.