INVERCLYDE Council will continue to provide free school meals for all primary school children despite reports the Scottish Government is scrapping its pledge to feed senior pupils.

Council leader Stephen McCabe promised the local authority will fund the universal free meals out of its own budget.

Inverclyde Council introduced the policy in August 2023 ahead of plans by the Scottish Government to roll it out for all pupils as part of an anti-poverty initiative.

But now the Scottish Government now has no plans to extend the programme to P6 and P7 this term under the current funding plans.

John Swinney laid out his Programme for Government on Wednesday, with a particular focus on child poverty.

But coming just 24 hours after his Finance Secretary made about £500million of cuts, Mr Swinney’s 47-page document rolled back on the Government’s commitment to universal free school meals, which was pledged in the SNP manifesto at the 2021 Holyrood election.

Instead of universal provision, the rollout will only reach Primary 6 and Primary 7 pupils who are in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment.

In response, Mr McCabe said: "We see it as a priority to try to support families in whatever way we can and ensure that all our young people receive at least one nutritious meal a day, which will aid their learning and health and well-being.

"While, like the Scottish and UK Governments, we will face difficult budget decisions over the coming months we will maintain our commitment to providing universal free school meals in our primary schools."

A spokesman for the Scottish Government confirmed additional funding from the UK Government could be used for the policy if it becomes available.

“The Government is facing very challenging financial times,” Mr Swinney said under questioning from outgoing Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross at First Minister’s Questions on Thursday – the first sessions since the summer recess.

“I set out yesterday that we will deliver the commitment to ensure that free school meals are available for Primary 6 and 7 pupils who are eligible for the Scottish Child Payment.

“But we will not be able, in this parliamentary term, to roll out the eligibility on a universal basis across Primary 6 and 7 pupils, because our budget has been eroded by the fiscal mismanagement and sky-high inflation which Douglas Ross was party to creating as part of his support for the UK Government.”