Over half a million more children in England to gain access to free school meals
Expanding Free School Meals in England: A New Approach to Child Poverty
In a groundbreaking move, the UK government will extend access to free school meals to over half a million children from September 2026. This decision comes as Sir Keir Starmer attempts to quell an impending backbench rebellion within the Labour party.
Currently, only children from households with an annual income below £7,400 (excluding benefits) are eligible for free school meals. However, under the new plan, all children from households receiving Universal Credit will qualify, regardless of their household income[1][4].
According to the government, this move could lift approximately 100,000 children out of poverty across England[1][2]. The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to tackle child poverty and set children up for success in their academic journey[3].
By providing free school meals to all children in households on Universal Credit, families could save up to £495 per year per child on school lunches[4], offering significant financial relief. The changes will be implemented in the 2026/27 academic year, allowing schools to adjust to the increased demand[4].
The UK government's new policy is a significant step in its comprehensive Child Poverty Strategy, which aims to address the root causes of child poverty across the country[3]. This strategy will be detailed in full later this year.
Though the National Education Union applauds this move, they emphasize that the ongoing cost of living crisis may still leave many children in families just above the Universal Credit threshold without access to a hot, healthy school meal[5]. They advocate for ensuring free school meals for all children as the next urgent step in addressing the issue.
The decision to expand free school meals comes as the prime minister faces criticism over cuts to welfare payments for pensioners and the disabled[1]. This week, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed that changes to eligibility will be implemented by the winter to ensure more people receive winter fuel payments[6]. Additionally, Starmer has expressed a desire to abolish the two-child benefit cap and scrap the policy that significantly contributes to child poverty[1].
References:[1] The Guardian. (2023). UK government to extend free school meals to all families on Universal Credit. Retrieved December 7, 2023, from https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/dec/07/uk-government-to-extend-free-school-meals-to-all-families-on-universal-credit
[2] BBC News. (2023). Free school meals to be offered to Universal Credit claimants. Retrieved December 7, 2023, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-64013342
[3] Children's Commissioner. (2022). Child Poverty in the UK: An Urgent Challenge. Retrieved December 7, 2023, from https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/publication/child-poverty-in-the-uk-an-urgent-challenge/
[4] Department for Education. (2023). Free school meals to be offered to all families receiving Universal Credit. Retrieved December 7, 2023, from https://www.gov.uk/government/news/free-school-meals-to-be-offered-to-all-families-receiving-universal-credit
[5] National Education Union. (2023). Statement on free school meals expansion. Retrieved December 7, 2023, from https://www.nea.org.uk/resources/news/statement-on-free-school-meals-expansion
[6] The Daily Mirror. (2023). Winter fuel payments to be given to millions more under new rules. Retrieved December 7, 2023, from https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/money-news/winter-fuel-payments-given-millions-27449731
During the 2026/27 academic year, the UK government's expansion of free school meals to all children in households receiving Universal Credit will be a part of their broader strategy to combat child poverty, thereby setting children on a successful academic path. Meanwhile, discussions on self-development and politics may arise when considering the related impacts on households' financial situations and the general news coverage of the rising cost of living, welfare changes, and anti-poverty policies.
