MSPs are getting to enjoy cheaper lunches at the Scottish parliament as the government did a U-turn on free school meals during the cost of living crisis. We can reveal the Scottish Parliament increased spending on Holyrood canteen subsidies to £75,000 a month before Nicola Sturgeon reneged on an election pledge to deliver meals to all P6 and P7 pupils.
The First Minister is now facing furious criticism after revelations that the parliament spent over £230,000 of taxpayer’s cash in just three months to give cheaper meals to politicians and staff. The cost price of an average school meal has been estimated at around 80p, meaning Holyrood canteen subsidies could pay for 93,750 school meals a month.
Former SNP health secretary Alex Neil said: “Delivering on the promise to deliver free school meals to primary six and seven pupils needs to be a top priority for the government. It is not something that can be delayed. If the money has to be found elsewhere, then that has to happen.
