WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE DELIVERS FREE SCHOOL MEALS ONE YEAR EARLY.

WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE DELIVERS FREE SCHOOL MEALS ONE YEAR EARLY.

COUNCIL TAX FREEZE ALSO DELIVERED

West of Scotland SNP MSP Gil Paterson has welcomed the decision by SNP-led West Dunbartonshire Council to start free school meals for all children in P1-P3 one year early than proposed.
Commenting Mr Paterson said:
"This is excellent news for the youngest primary school children in West Dunbartonshire and shows the SNP-led council is leading the way in delivering the SNP's aim to introduce free school meals for all children in P1-P3.
"This is one year ahead of the Scottish Government's target start date of August 2010, and it is an example for other councils to follow.
"In addition the council is also increasing the number of breakfast clubs to provide a club in every school across the authority.
"The Scottish Government's Concordat with local authorities has provided the conditions for West Dunbartonshire and others around the country to freeze the Council Tax yet again after years of being forced into tax hikes and difficult savings and to give our young people the best possible start in life.
"The SNP-led council in West Dunbartonshire is to be congratulated in bringing forward a budget that meets the needs of local people and our youngest school children in particular."