Rachel Reeves has pushed back at suggestions ministers are considering ending universal free school meals for primary school children.
The chancellor said she did not “recognise” reports in The Times that Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, had suggested making free school meals for younger pupils means tested instead of universal, as is the case for older children.
Currently, all children in reception, year one and year two are entitled to free school meals, but according to the newspaper, Ms Phillipson made the recommendation as part of a package to reduce school spending by £500m.
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A source close to Ms Phillipson told Sky News the reports were “complete rubbish” while the chancellor pointed to the government’s decision to roll out free breakfast clubs in all primary schools from April.
Ms Reeves told broadcasters: “This government is rolling out free breakfast clubs in all primary schools from April.
“I don’t recognise those claims that the government are looking at means-testing free school meals.
“In fact, this government are ensuring that all children get a good start to the day with a breakfast club, helping working parents and helping all children get a good start in life.
“That is what this government is determined to do after 14 years of Conservative failure.”
On Wednesday the chancellor is expected to deliver a spring statement that sets out savings of around £10bn, including the £5bn of welfare savings announced last week.
Ms Reeves has also confirmed the civil service will be forced to cut £2bn a year by slashing administration costs by the end of the decade – although the savings will be used to protect frontline services from cutbacks.
The proposed cuts follow a speech by the prime minister in which he announced the abolition of NHS England, the administrative body that runs the national health service, in a bid to slash red tape and cut costs.
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