Help will be made available during school holidays to parents whose children receive free school meals in Swindon – but there is no specific plan to provide food or vouchers.

The council’s cabinet member for education and finance, deputy leader Russell Holland said the authority was not able to provide meals or make a payment to all free meals recipients in one go.

He added: “The help that has always been there from the emergency assistance fund will continue, and that has had additional funding from government for these sorts of things.

"Some of that money has been used with partners in the voluntary sector but more has been added to the emergency fund.

“If someone is struggling over the holidays, it might be quicker to go to some of the community organisations, but people can always apply to the emergency assistance fund. That’s what it’s for.

“We don’t want to see any child go hungry during the holidays because they’re parents are struggling.”

To apply for help, visit swindon.gov.uk/info/20013/benefits_and_swindon_money_matters/542/emergency_assistance_fund

In Wiltshire, the council has said it will provide help with free school meals in the holidays

The council's cabinet member for children, education and skills, Laura Mays said: “We know that many families are feeling the financial pressure during the Covid-19 pandemic, and we want to do all we can to support them.

“We want to ensure that children do not go hungry during these school holidays and want to ensure that Wiltshire families know that they will be supported during these difficult times by putting these measures in place.

"Therefore, the council will be funding free meals during the October half-term. This will be reviewed throughout the pandemic and we will continue to make sure that any child and family who needs help gets it.

“If you are entitled to free school meals or universal credit and struggling to pay for food over half term, please contact the Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub for support.”

Wiltshire Council’s wellbeing hub can be accessed at adults.wiltshire.gov.uk/Services/1544