A devastated councillor who motioned to help poverty stricken children this Christmas was subject to an astonishing attack by peers who likened her plans to a “malnourished child.” One councillor dismissed proposals to provide food vouchers to families with primary school children, by comparing it to a “letter to Santa.”
The cruel comments came at the full council meeting last week, where Councillor Fran Belbin proposed a motion to support families with children over the Christmas holidays, which was seconded by Councillor Laura McClean. The bid came on the back of the news that inflation is expected to rise to up to 6.7% higher than last year.
The proposals included providing scheduled activities for children across Sheffield for parents and carers to work over the Christmas period, as well as food vouchers that could have been redeemed from various supermarkets.
Councillor Laura McClean said: “We know there are parents and carers across our city who skip meals to feed their children; and for them, the prospect of the Christmas holidays does not fill them with joy but with panic at the thought of struggling to feed their loved ones for two weeks.”
Many children in Sheffield and beyond are in receipt of universal credit but are ineligible for Free School Meals. According to government figures in 2023, 31% of children are growing up in poverty across Yorkshire and Humber.
Councillor McClean said: “I call on members to support this motion which will mean this Christmas we can alleviate the burden a little and put cash in the pockets of those who need it most.”
Many members were doubtful of the success of the proposed scheme, including Councillor Ian Horner, who said: “What we have here is a letter to Santa.”
Cllr Douglas Johnson described the proposition as a “Malnourished child.”
A big majority of votes in the chamber for amendments to the motion meant more focus on the lack of transport across the city; meaning the original motion was lost in other priorities.
Councillor Belbin said she was: “shocked at the outcome of the vote and the comments made by other councillors in a discussion of child poverty.”