LOCAL AM William Powell has pledged to campaign for pupils in Wales to receive free school meals.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg recently announced that every child in infant school in England will be able to have a free hot lunch.

And Wales is set to receive millions of pounds of extra funding following this decision.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats are now calling for the Welsh Labour Government to use this money to introduce a similar policy.

William Powell AM said: “Families in Mid and West Wales would hugely benefit from this Liberal Democrat policy.

“Welsh families spend around £400 on school meals a year. The Welsh Liberal Democrats recognise the financial strain families are under, which is exactly why we want free school meals in Wales to become a reality.

“This will also help ensure our children have a healthy and balanced diet, enabling them to perform better in their education.

“In government, the Liberal Democrats have already increased the income tax threshold, giving workers across the country a £600 tax break.

“ Free school meals will be another way to help families who are feeling the squeeze.”