Scottish Government Faces Setbacks on Free School Meals and Rail Fares in Holyrood Votes

Scottish administration defeated in votes concerning school meals and train ticket prices

Following two distinct discussions at Holyrood on Wednesday, the SNP-led government isn't required to implement changes despite the voting outcomes.

Scotland correspondent @Jenster13

Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 7:

The Scottish government lost in an advisory vote that urged officials to provide free school meals to all primary school students.

The SNP government faced two setbacks in Holyrood, as MSPs supported another motion urging the government to overturn its decision to reinstate peak-time fares on ScotRail.

Opposition members united to confront the SNP following First Minister John Swinney's initial Programme for Government, which reversed a prior commitment to universal free school meals.

Presently, every student from Primary 1 to Primary 5 enjoys complimentary school meals. This provision will soon extend to include Primary 6 and Primary 7 students who are beneficiaries of the Scottish Child Payment.

Financial constraints have led to the inability to fulfill the SNP's 2021 commitment to a universal rollout by the year 2026.

Even though the Scottish government was defeated in Wednesday's vote, there is no requirement for them to act on it. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes had already suggested that no alterations would be implemented, irrespective of the vote's results.

The discussion was initiated by the Scottish Conservatives. MSP Liam Kerr stated that the first minister failed to uphold the SNP's commitment.

He said: "It's common knowledge that children must be fed to effectively prepare for learning.

The commissioner for children stated yesterday that arriving at school on an empty stomach does more than hinder educational performance; it also has significant long-term effects on a child's development well into their adult years.

Mr. Kerr asserted that the Scottish government currently holds the biggest block grant in monetary terms since the onset of devolution.

He also referenced a recent study from the independent economic forecasting agency, the Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC), which indicated that although policies from the UK government add to the financial strains on Holyrood's budget, "a significant portion of the strain is due to decisions made by the Scottish government itself."

Mr. Kerr pointed out several governmental financial allocations, notably the £400 million spent on two ferries, which were both behind schedule and over budget.

He additionally alleged that Nicola Sturgeon's SNP allocated over £180 million to public relations experts, advisors, international travel, and entertainment expenses.

"Mr. Kerr noted that over the past two years, there have been upwards of 120 ministerial trips abroad to over 30 distinct locations, despite foreign affairs being under the jurisdiction of Westminster."

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He also highlighted MSP Angus Robertson, the Scottish Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs, and Culture, pointing out that his budget of £347 million was spared from the recent reductions implemented by Finance Secretary Shona Robison.

Mr. Kerr stated, "The SNP's decision to halt the widespread distribution of free school meals in primary schools is a disgraceful letdown for Scotland’s most disadvantaged students."

"They've given up all claims of knowing how to eliminate educational disparities and child poverty, and they've recklessly gambled with the trust that the Scottish public placed in them."

Discover further details from Sky News: Swinney's inaugural Government Program. Analysis: Starmer's initial grace period has definitively ended.

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Responding to concerns, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth stated that she had forcefully advocated to her colleague Ms. Robison to uphold the commitment, and expressed her own "disappointment" regarding the postponement.

The ex-social sciences instructor informed the assembly that the Scottish government concurred with the core idea of the proposal and continues to be dedicated to providing free school meals to all students.

She noted that the existing program for free school lunches is providing an average annual savings of £400 for each child's family.

Ms. Gilruth stated, "As a politician, I am a staunch believer in the concept of universality. From my experience as a teacher, I understand that children who are hungry are not able to focus on learning."

Ms. Gilruth raised concerns about how the government plans to cover the estimated £256 million shortfall needed to complete the entire project within this legislative session.

Due to a lack of clear information on extra funding from the UK government, the Scottish government claims it currently lacks the necessary resources to implement it.

Ms. Gilruth stated that the individuals in control of funding have not provided any definite assurances, noting: "Therefore, I would appreciate it if any Labour MSP present today in the chamber could confirm the full range of financial repercussions anticipated for Scotland from the incoming UK Labour government."

The proposal was approved with 64 votes in favor, two against, and 60 abstentions.

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Highest train ticket prices

The Scottish administration was defeated in a symbolic vote urging the SNP to overturn its decision to halt a program that eliminated peak-time fares on ScotRail.

Transport Scotland reported that the experiment, which was funded by the Scottish government at a cost of £40 million, failed to meet its objectives of persuading more individuals to switch from car to train travel.

While the number of passengers rose to nearly 6.8%, the program needs a 10% growth to achieve financial self-sufficiency.

The program, which started in October of the previous year and was prolonged beyond its original six-month duration, is set to conclude on September 27.

Scottish Greens MSP Mark Ruskell stated: "Fares for the well-traveled Edinburgh to Glasgow line are set to increase significantly, jumping from £14.90 to an astonishing £31.40.

"This represents a backward move. It's hard to justify the fact that opting for private vehicles is more affordable, more convenient, and less complicated than using public transportation."

The proposal was approved with a vote of 64 to 62

After suffering two losses, the Scottish Conservatives called on Mr. Swinney to acknowledge his mistakes and reverse his administration's policies.

MSP Alexander Burnett, the party's lead enforcer, commented: "John Swinney would be both presumptuous and imprudent to disregard today's twin blows at Holyrood."

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