Ellie Ames 14 May 2024

Government criticised over free school meals threshold freeze

Government criticised over free school meals threshold freeze image
Image: Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock.com

The Liberal Democrats have criticised the Government for failing to increase the income threshold for free school meals in line with inflation.

Families in the UK who receive universal credit can apply for free school meals, but a household income threshold of £7,400 a year (after tax) was introduced in 2018.

The Lib Dems said increasing this threshold to £9,300 in line with inflation would make 135,000 more children living in poverty eligible for a hot lunch.

It based this on a call by the Institute for Fiscal Studies for the Government to increase the income cap to £20,000 to bring around 900,000 children into eligibility.

The Lib Dems’ analysis assumes that families’ incomes are evenly distributed between £7,400 and £20,000.

Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Munira Wilson MP said: ‘Extending free school meals to these children would save parents money, encourage healthy eating and give children the energy to learn in the afternoon. It’s a no brainer.

‘Our children’s health and education should be a top priority, but time and again under this Government they are treated as a complete afterthought.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner