Mark Whitehead 17 November 2017

An extra 50,000 children could get free school dinners under Universal Credit reforms

About 50,000 more children will be eligible for free school meals under new proposals for the Universal Credit system, according to the Government.

It has launched a consultation on how to target benefits for children including introducing a net income threshold of £7,400 per year before benefits are taken into account for families to benefit from free school meals.

It says this would be typically equivalent to between £18,000 and £24,000 in total household income per year.

The same eligibility criteria would apply to the Early Years Pupil Premium which gives extra funding to early years settings to boost the attainment of pupils from low income families.

Announcing the proposals minister for children and families Robert Goodwill said all children currently receiving any of the current benefits should continue to receive them until the full roll out of Universal Credit, and then until they finish primary or secondary school.

He said the proposals should protect all children currently receiving support, while targeting the entitlements to ensure they reach those most in need.

Mr Goodwill 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.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recuriter: Hull City Council

Strategic Director, Finance and Resources (S.151 Officer)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
£110,799 - £120,706
Blackburn with Darwen is a distinctive, welcoming and vibrant borough with a strong identity and a genuine buzz about the place. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Residential Worker, Edge of Care Service

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 PAY AWARD PENDING
Join a Groundbreaking Team Supporting Families in Seaham Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bikeability Cycling Instructor

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 to £25,992 pro rata (Pay Award Pending)
The Road Safety Team are keen to recruit additional Casual Bikability Instructors to join our team of instructors delivering Bikeability cycle trainin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner