Cost of living relief for families across Black Country as new school breakfast clubs open

There has been a celebratory feeling for families across the Black Country after 18 new breakfast clubs opened at schools following the Easter break.

Across the Black Country, there are now 31 of breakfast clubs up and running, including in Brickhouse Primary School in Rowley Regis, easing the cost of living by saving families up to £450 a year.

Labour MP for West Bromwich Sarah Coombes was among the people to celebrate the openings, which is part of a roll out of more than 500 extra clubs nationwide, on top of the 750 existing clubs.

She said: “We all know that families need a helping hand.

“Parents have already told me how much of a difference this will make, easing the cost of living and making sure kids are ready to get the education they deserve.

“This is a promise Labour made in our manifesto and now it is a promise kept and practical support that will change morning routines across our area for the better.”

Across the country, 300,000 children will now benefit from the free breakfast clubs, helping parents and ensuring children start the day ready to learn.

The Government said this was a further step towards delivering the promise in Labour’s manifesto to provide universal free breakfast clubs across the country, and comes as Labour announces new school food standards, to ensure all children have access to healthy diet at school.

Evidence shows breakfast clubs improve attendance, behaviour and attainment.

Anna Turley MP, chairwoman of the Labour Party, also said that Reform MPs, led by party leader Nigel Farage, had voted against the roll-out of free breakfast clubs in Parliament and would have seen the vital new support ripped away from families before it even had a chance to start easing the cost of living pressure they face.

She said: “Time and again Farage and Reform prove they’re not on your side.

“By trying to block Labour’s free breakfast clubs for primary school kids, Farage is stealing Thatcher’s playbook and trying to snatch support from kids and parents who are under real pressure with the cost of living.

“Today 500 new free breakfast clubs open in primary schools across England, and our Labour Government will continue to roll out this vital support to all primary schools as soon as possible.

“Alongside our boost to the minimum wage and action to lift nearly half a million kids out of poverty, it’s clear that only Labour can be trusted to give the next generation the best start in life and parents across the country the support they deserve.”

Rowley Ward councillor Sohail Iqbal said: “This is great news for families and children in our area, showing the real difference Labour are making to help children thrive, help families with the cost of living.

“I’m so pleased to have this here in our area, and will look forward to it being rolled out to all primary schools in the area over the next few years.”

Josh Newbury, Labour MP for Cannock Chase, said: "Parents of children at Redhill Primary and Moorhill Primary in my constituency have already told me their new breakfast clubs will make their lives a lot easier – saving them money and making sure their children start the day ready to learn.

"This was a clear commitment in Labour’s manifesto, and we’re now seeing the results – practical help that will make a big difference to children and parents."