It’s been a fantastic few weeks of the Women’s World Cup, with the Lionesses reaching the very end and making us all proud, commiserations to them on just missing out.
At school, I loved to play football with my brothers and friends, but was never encouraged to seriously pursue it because the teachers said, “you’re a girl”. It’s one of the reasons why I am so pleased to see so many young women and girls be inspired by the Lionesses and their success.
Previously, I have called for better access to football in school for girls, and more support for grassroots women’s clubs. I know that the Lionesses will have inspired so many through this tournament. I am reiterating those calls, so that every girl and young woman has access to football if they want it.
Camberwell girls’ football club could represent south London in world’s largest youth competition
Elsewhere, inflation has slowed recently, but Londoners have not felt the benefit of this. Whilst inflation is lower than it was at its peak of 11.1% in October, it still remains extremely high and much higher than the Bank of England’s 2% target.
The cost of food is still a huge concern, with prices remaining sky high, and the food inflation rate still at 12.7%. Staples like bread, milk, potatoes and cheese remain out of reach for some families, who are relying on food banks more than ever.
The cost of living crisis facing Londoners is unsustainable and unacceptable. Yet, despite months of lobbying the Government is still letting Londoners down through their inaction on this crisis. Despite the fall in inflation, families are still struggling, children are still going hungry and economists are warning we still face recession.
The Government cannot be complacent over this crisis, and they need to take action. They could take inspiration from the example that London is setting for the rest of the country, through City Hall’s Free School Meals funding. From September, every primary school child in London will have access to a free school meal, with no means testing and in a way that avoids the stigma of receiving free school meals that many have felt in the past. This will cover all of the school holidays as well.
This will go a long way to supporting parents in London who need additional help to feed their families, saving around £440 a year for each child. Shocking new figures have shown that half of parents are struggling to afford their regular shop and essentials. It is good to see the Mayor step up and provide support to families and children in London.
In addition, City Hall has been supporting families through the holidays. Holiday hunger is a huge issue in London. We know that the only meal some children eat is their free school lunch, so school holidays can present a real challenge.
Over £3.5 million in funding has been used to provide over 10 million meals over school holidays and weekends, to ensure children are not going hungry.