U Turn and U Turn Again, and Again
We are beginning to see a pattern as the mayoral financial strategy unravels.
First there was the U Turn on Bulky Waste Charges.
Now we see the reversal of the policy to cut free school meals to primary school children.
Free School Meals
Open Newham reported on the threat to cut free school meals.
The Guardian has reported that a decision has been made and that free school meals to primary school children will be continued. Mayor Fiaz has attempted to present this as a response to her ‘listening’ to residents.
Perhaps she should have listened BEFORE she made the decision in the first place. It is just spin, she has lost control of her budget and is scurrying to save money wherever she can.
Her plan to save money by scrapping food for school children in the borough with the highest child poverty rate in the country was assaulted by all sides and in the press. The scheme was introduced by the ‘right-wing’ mayor Robin Wales but is now championed by Newham Momentum members. It brought many of her council colleagues to the brink of open revolt in opposition.
Withdrawing the cut will leave Fiaz and Paul with a £2m hole to fill in the budget.
Pity they didn’t think about this when they hiked the council tax. They will now have to find a way to fill the income gap. Or cut more services.