An ‘extra 50,000 pupils’ eligible for free school meals under universal credit shake up’
New Government plans to change the eligibility criteria of introducing universal credit could mean that 50,000 more pupils are now eligible for free school meals.
In a consultation launched today, ministers say that currently “some of the most disadvantaged low-income households do not qualify for free school meals”.
The Government now plan to base the eligibility on each household’s net earnings, instead of the number of hours worked at present.
These net earnings would not include additional income from benefits.
From April 2018, the Government plans to introduce a £7,400 net earnings threshold for households to be entitled to free school meals.
However, the document also suggest that around 10% of pupils currently receiving free school meals would no longer be eligible.
The Government says it would introduce protections to ensure that no child would lose their free school meals during the transition to universal credit.
Pupils still receiving free meals once the switch is complete would continue to get them until they finish their current phase of education.
Robert Goodwill, the Minister for Children and Families, said: “We want every child to reach their potential, regardless of their background. As universal credit is rolled out, it is right that we continue to make sure this support reaches children from the most disadvantaged families.
“Our proposals should not only protect those children already receiving free school meals and additional school funding but will see thousands more benefitting from this support in future.”
Universal infant free school meals, which the Conservatives proposed scrapping in their 2017 election manifesto, would not be affected.
The consultation closes on 11 January 2018.