Starting September 2026, all English children whose parents receive Universal Credit will qualify for free school meals, the government announced. Eligibility will be irrespective of income; currently, a household income below £7,400 annually is required.
This change, costing £1 billion through 2029, is projected to benefit an additional 500,000 students. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer highlighted its potential to “help families who need it most.”
The policy follows recent scrutiny of Labour’s child poverty initiatives, particularly regarding the two-child benefit cap. Ministers project yearly savings of £500 per family and anticipate lifting 100,000 children out of poverty.
Furthermore, a £13 million investment will support twelve English food charities in combating food insecurity through farm surplus redistribution. Sir Keir stated that providing free meals is a key step towards financial relief for parents and improved learning outcomes for children.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies, while acknowledging the policy’s positive impact on child poverty and cost-effectiveness compared to universal free school meals, suggests other approaches, such as removing the two-child limit, might offer better value per child.
The announcement received widespread support from educational institutions and anti-poverty organizations. Nick Harrison of the Sutton Trust lauded it as a “significant step,” while Pepe Di’Iasio of the Association of School and College Leaders called it “great news,” albeit acknowledging the need for further action.
Kate Anstey of the Child Poverty Action Group hailed the expansion as a “game-changer,” encompassing more children in poverty than the current system, while urging the government for more comprehensive measures. Liberal Democrat spokesperson Munira Wilson similarly welcomed the move but urged further action, including automatic enrollment for eligible children, lifting the two-child benefit cap, and uniform cost caps.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson recently indicated consideration of scrapping the two-child benefit cap, acknowledging its impact on poverty, but noting the associated financial implications. Charities are advocating for its abolition in next week’s spending review.
The government will announce its full child poverty strategy in the autumn. Sir Keir reaffirmed his commitment to reducing child poverty during Prime Minister’s Questions, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized his approach as confusing. Approximately 2.1 million English children (24.6% of the total) currently receive free school meals.
Currently, families must meet specific criteria, including receiving Universal Credit and a household income under £7,400 (after tax), to qualify. Parents must apply, and automatic enrollment is not implemented. In February, a cross-party committee urged changes to increase access to free school meals, highlighting barriers faced by eligible families.
Free school meal provision varies across the UK: all primary school children in London and Wales receive free meals, while in Scotland, eligibility extends to children in the first five primary years and those from families receiving the Scottish Child Payment. In Northern Ireland, eligibility is based on benefits receipt and an income threshold approximately double that of England’s current limit.
Watchdog Estyn expresses concern that not enough pupils are reaching their full potential in maths.
Spanish overtakes French as the most widely taught language in schools in Northern Ireland.
The National Deaf Children’s Society says deaf children could fall behind without the support.
A council says stopping the patrols was a difficult decision it had to make for a balanced budget.
A professor says we cannot complain children are not active enough when they are dressed in uniform.