We are experiencing times like no other when it comes to the cost of living and our young families in particular are having to make a number of sacrifices.

I was delighted to receive the news that all primary schoolchildren and their families here in our borough are set to receive a vital lifeline from the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who will be funding free school meals (FSMs) from this September.

This much needed and timely support is warmly welcomed by us at the council, even if it’s important to stress that it’s a one-off, £130m payment for one academic year (2023-24) only. It’s effectively an emergency measure in response to the financial crisis that is affecting everyone.

With a large number of families in Haringey being hit by the escalating cost of energy and food, nobody should be left with a deplorable choice to make – should I feed my kids or heat our home today?

Ham & High: Cllr Peray Ahmet says the emergency funding for FSMs is welcomeCllr Peray Ahmet says the emergency funding for FSMs is welcome (Image: Haringey Council)

We have already taken strong measures to help our young children and families who are eligible to receive FSMs.

We have an enhanced FSMs offer in Haringey, which goes above and beyond what central government currently provides. Between 500 and 600 extra Haringey kids receive a hot, nutritious meal every single school day thanks to this enhanced, flexible provision.

On top of this we also provide FSMs to eligible children and young people during the school holidays via the Haringey/Household Support Fund and have our Haringey Here to Help scheme and the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme too.

Make no mistake these are challenging times for a number of families and that is why we have made it one of our priorities to support those who need it the most.

There remains an urgent need for even more support and this emergency funding to all London councils from City Hall is fundamentally important for many across Haringey and London as a whole.

It could save the average family around £440 per child over that 12-month period, while providing every primary school kid in London with one hot, nutritious meal for every day they are at school.

There remains the lingering issue however of what can be done in the meantime and what will be done from September 2024 onwards – a clear and pressing consideration.

Central government needs to provide local authorities like us with long-term, sustainable funding for children and young people. They shouldn’t be going hungry in the classroom at a critical time in their physical and mental development.

Cllr Peray Ahmet is Labour leader of Haringey Council.