Sadiq Khan Warns of No Permanent Budget for Free School Meals in London

London's Mayor Sadiq Khan has extended free school meal availability until July 2025 but has expressed concerns about its long-term funding. Initially launched in September 2023, this initiative currently lacks a dedicated budget for continued support. While Khan aspires to sustain the program, City Hall's financial constraints prevent a permanency guarantee.

Conservative opponent Susan Hall pledges to maintain free meals until economic pressures ease. The mayor indicated that fiscal prudence allowed the allocation of £135 million for the program's first year through surplus business rate revenues and reserves, with a similar approach yielding an additional £140 million for its extension.

In England, free school meals are government-funded up to Year 2 for all children, with further support conditional on low family income. The government asserts having expanded meal eligibility more than previous administrations.

Khan faces budgeting challenges including fluctuating income sources and pending reviews of local government finance and business rate policies. While he cannot promise indefinite meal provisions, he commits to transparency and maintaining the program for the 2024/25 academic year.

He also announced an increase in meal funding from £2.65 to £3 per meal and evaded revealing further campaign promises for the mayoral re-election. Khan's focus is on making London safer and more equitable.

The Mayor has also managed emergency funding to avert a Tube strike by allocating £30 million for transport staff salary increases but did not disclose the funding source. He emphasizes the crucial role of transport workers, advocating for collaborative solutions with unions to prevent future strikes and their detrimental impact on the city.