Free meals at Primary Schools across Tower Hamlets are to be provided for the next two years.

A “better than expected” government grant totalling almost £3million has enabled the Council to provide year 1 and reception pupils with the free meals.

Cabinet member for children, schools and families Cllr Oliur Rahman said: “This is great news for our young people at the start of their formal education journey and no doubt will drive them to achieve excellent results in years to come.

“It also demonstrates the commitment of the mayor and this administration in supporting our young people.”

The proposal was announced at a meeting of Tower Hamlets Council’s cabinet last week as part of draft budget proposals due to be scrutinised by full council on Wednesday.