Harrow Council will offer food vouchers to families whose children are eligible for free school meals, bringing it in line with several other local authorities across London.

Cllr Graham Henson, leader of Harrow Council, confirmed yesterday (October 26) it would work with schools so parents can collect £15 worth of vouchers during half-term.

It comes after the Government confirmed it would not be providing free school meals over the holidays, despite a motion put forward by the Labour Party following a campaign by footballer Marcus Rashford.

Many councils, such as Brent, Hillingdon, and Camden, immediately announced they would step in to support those in need through food vouchers.

Others, such as Barnet and Ealing, donated tens of thousands of pounds to local food banks in honour of Rashford’s initiative.

Now, following some pressure from end food poverty campaigners, Harrow has joined them.

Cllr Henson said: “As a council we feel we have to do more during these incredibly difficult times for our families, so we will be making available a £15 voucher to the parents of every child who is eligible for a free school meal.

“This means if a parent has three eligible children, the parents will receive a total of £45 of vouchers. We will look to see how we can do this through working with our great schools.”

He added the council will still work with the community and voluntary sector to support vulnerable people over half-term and beyond.

This includes pointing people towards food banks and other support networks, such as community cafes and surplus food markets which operate on a pay as you feel basis.

The council leader said he was “humbled” by the efforts of Harrow residents and organisations who have gone “above and beyond” to provide additional services and help feed those in need during the coronavirus crisis.

He added the council would work with schools to see how it could support those in receipt of free school meals over the upcoming Christmas holidays if necessary, with “no sign the Covid-19 pandemic will have let up”.