Liberal Democrats visit Eastleigh to call for Holiday Activities and Food programme to be "enshrined" in law
The Liberal Democrat leader and Eastleigh MP have attended a community centre charity today
Last updated 19th Aug 2025
The Liberal Democrats leader and Eastleigh MP have attended an Eastleigh community centre today to call for the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme to be improved and "enshrined" in the law.
Sir Ed Davey and Liz Jarvis MP attended Pavilion on the Park for a tour of their facilities, a ride on a bicycle and to call for the HAF programme to be extended.
It comes as the programme's future is uncertain as it reaches near to the end of the planned financial cycle.
Sir Ed Davey, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: "The cost of living crisis is a real problem for so many people, and I think people from all walks of life have noticed the cost of living crisis.
"Therefore, I think people have a lot of empathy for those who are really struggling.
"This is no doubt a really good scheme, it just needs to be improved upon and we need to make sure more people are eligible.
"It's critical, we're in the height of the summer now, and families and children who normally benefit from free school meals, often don't get them.
"This programme is there to plug the gap, but it needs more support and it needs to be better administered so more people can benefit."
HAF is a government-funded programme which is designed to provide free, healthy meals and activities during school holidays for children who usually receive free school meals in term-time.
Liz Jarvis, MP for Eastleigh, said: "The Lib Dems are calling for the Holiday Activities and Food programme to be enshrined in law; so that families across the country have the security of knowing that they can always access that programme, which is so vitally important.
"It's hugely important for families to have access to facilities throughout the summer and throughout the year.
"Certainly in holidays where families might be struggling to find childcare or provide entertainment.
"Obviously, going to the cinema or anything like that now is just so expensive.
"Facilities like Pavilion on the Park are so essential because they offer so much for families.
"It's an amazing facility and I'm so proud that we have it in Eastleigh."
The government have issued a response to today's meeting.
A spokesperson for the Department for Education said: “We know families can face particular financial pressures during the school holidays, which is why this government has committed over £200 million to the Holidays Activities and Food programme this year to ensure every child has the best start in life no matter their background.
“In the past year, these clubs have provided tens of thousands of children in Hampshire access to high quality holiday clubs, activities and food, as part of our Plan for Change to help break down barriers to opportunity for children.
“This is just one of the many ways this government is supporting children to achieve and thrive, including introducing 30 hours government-funded childcare from September, rolling out free breakfast clubs, and expanding of free school meals for every child on universal credit, saving families thousands of pounds.”