Councillors will be asked to welcome the introduction of free school meals for all children under seven next week.

Oxfordshire County Council’s John Howson, a Liberal Democrat, has put forward a motion for Tuesday’s meeting of all councillors to welcome the Government policy, which the council has no say over.

Bicester Advertiser: John Howson

Bosses on the Conservative-led council have said the policy could leave it with a £300,000 to £500,000 shortfall, despite a pledge of £1.47m from the Government.

The council will meet at County Hall, Oxford from 10am. The public can attend.

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