New analysis from Newcastle Labour reveals that an estimated 186,526 free breakfasts have been served to Newcastle children through the government’s free breakfast club programme — part of 10 million nationwide, unlocking 5 million hours of childcare and representing potential savings of up to £25 million in childcare costs for working families.
Over 300,000 children across 1,250 clubs are already benefiting, with families saving up to £450 and 95 hours a year. That is real money, real time, and real relief for parents juggling work and family life at a time when every penny counts.
The programme builds on the government’s wider drive to ease childcare costs, which includes 30 hours of free childcare for working parents of children from nine months old and expanding free school meals to every single child from a household that receives Universal Credit – lifting 100,000 children out of poverty. This – alongside the removal of the two-child limit – is set to lead to the largest reduction in child poverty in a single parliament, since records began. Free breakfast clubs extend that support further by giving parents a reliable, free option at the start of the school day that saves them time and money, and ensures no child starts the day hungry.
The Education Secretary has written to all primary schools in Newcastle to celebrate the impact of Free Breakfast Clubs so far and encourage all schools to prepare to join the programme the next two years.
This comes as the government also announced the Great British Summer Saving scheme, cutting VAT on children’s meals, theatre and cinema tickets, and family attractions, and providing free bus travel for children aged five to 15 throughout August — extending the government’s commitment to reducing childcare and family costs beyond the school day, so families can make the most of their time together without worrying about the cost, from the breakfast table to the summer holidays.
Leader of the Newcastle Labour Group on Newcastle City Council Councillor Ged Bell, said:
“Labour is supporting Newcastle families when they need it most. Thanks to this government, every primary school child will be offered a place at a free breakfast club, meaning no child will start the school day hungry while parents save time and money and gain the flexibility that can make all the difference in the mornings.
“Labour is supporting Newcastle children at school and in the holidays through our Great British Summer Saving scheme, cutting the cost of Summer. This won’t end the cost of living crisis on its own – but it is real help now for families in Newcastle. That’s the change Labour was elected to deliver.