The government's announcement to review its free school meals plans has outraged politicians in Hounslow.
MP for Brentford & Isleworth, Ruth Cadbury, was shocked to hear the news as more than 3,000 pupils across the borough, or 15% of pupils, are eligible for free school meals.
She said she will be writing to the Education Secretary demanding clarification on the issue.
Ms Cadbury added: “The provision of a free school meal is vital in so many ways.
"For some children, it may be their only substantial meal of the day. It is a reassurance to working parents.
"Schools have gone to great lengths to implement this scheme, and the government is slamming the door in their faces before even properly evaluating it.
"At the same time the government is cutting tax credits for working families. This is simply not acceptable.
"A country like ours should continue to provide basic provisions to our children.”
Councillor Tom Bruce, cabinet member for education and children’s services, added the scheme ensured every infant-aged pupil could sit down to a hot, healthy lunch daily with classmates.
Mr Bruce said: "When the initiative was announced in 2013, the Tory-led government said they were determined to do all they can to help put money back in the pockets of families struggling with the cost of living.
"Families will understandably feel betrayed by a decision to scrap this initiative and despite the Tories pledging to protect school funding as part of their manifesto in May, what we are seeing now is a Tory government that is willing go back on their promises at the expense of our children’s education.
"Scrapping universal free school meals would only pile more pressure on families income and may have a detrimental impact on children already living in poverty.”
