Surrey Tories vote down Lib Dem motion to end child hunger

Earlier today, the Conservative majority on Surrey County Council used their own amendment to vote down a Lib Dem motion that would have tackled child food poverty.

If approved, the original proposal by Lib Dem County Councillors would have committed the Council to taking the small, albeit valuable steps of ensuring the availability of breakfast clubs at schools across Surrey - as well as to lobbying Central Government for changes to the welfare system.

Instead a lengthy amendment, which set out largely the strategic actions already being taken by the County Council, was supported by Tory Councillors, who currently enjoy a huge majority, although it was opposed by those from other political parties.

Lib Dem County Councillor Will Forster, said:

"Although I am very pleased that we Lib Dems initiated a discussion on child poverty in Surrey, I am really disappointed the Council supported the Conservatives' watered-down version of our motion, rather than our original meaningful motion. Ending child hunger should be a priority, not something authorities take baby steps in tackling."