From September 2026, all children in England whose parents receive Universal Credit will qualify for free school meals, regardless of their household income. The UK Government confirmed the move, announcing a significant shift from the current rule that limits eligibility to families earning under £7,400 annually.
The free school meals extension will see an additional 500,000 pupils benefit, aiming to ease the burden on low-income families and reduce child poverty.
“Feeding more children every day, for free, is one of the biggest interventions we can make to put more money in parents’ pockets, tackle the stain of poverty, and set children up to learn,” said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Government Commits £1 Billion to Fund Initiative
The Department for Education has pledged £1 billion to support the programme through to 2029. Ministers believe this step could lift 100,000 children out of poverty and save families up to £500 per year.
In addition, a £13 million fund will be distributed to 12 food charities across England. The aim? To combat food poverty by diverting surplus produce from farms into community schemes.
Reaction from Education and Charity Sectors
The announcement was broadly welcomed across educational circles and charities working to end food insecurity:
- Nick Harrison, CEO of Sutton Trust: “A significant step towards taking hunger out of the classroom.”
- Pepe Di’Iasio, General Secretary, Association of School and College Leaders: “There is much more to be done – but this is a welcome step forward.”
- Kate Anstey, Child Poverty Action Group: “This is a game-changer for children and families.”
Despite the positive reception, some groups are urging the government to go further. Calls continue for the two-child benefit cap to be lifted, citing its role in deepening poverty across larger households.
While the free school meals extension is seen as a milestone, experts caution that its full impact may be more modest than official projections suggest.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) pointed out that protections introduced in 2018 may limit how many children actually gain eligibility. According to Christine Farquarson, Associate Director at IFS: “Today’s announcement will not see anything like 100,000 children lifted out of poverty next year.”
Still, the extension marks a less costly approach than universal free meals, and it is expected to have a measurable effect on household food security.
Eligibility Explained
Under the new rules starting 2026:
- All children in England whose parents receive Universal Credit will be eligible.
- No income cap will apply.
- Families must still apply—children will not be automatically enrolled.
Currently, around 2.1 million pupils in England receive free school meals, representing 24.6% of the school population.
How Does England Compare?
Here’s how the new policy stacks up across the UK:
| Region | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| England | From 2026: All on Universal Credit, regardless of income |
| London & Wales | All primary pupils receive free meals |
| Scotland | Primary years 1–5 + children on Scottish Child Payment |
| Northern Ireland | Means-tested benefits, income limit approx. £15,000 |
The Government is expected to unveil its broader child poverty strategy this autumn. While scrapping the two-child benefit cap remains under review, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson admitted it would “cost a lot of money.”
Pressure is mounting from opposition parties and charities alike for more decisive action. “This can only be a first step,” said Liberal Democrat MP Munira Wilson, urging automatic enrolment for free meals and cost caps on uniforms.
The free school meals extension is being framed as a major intervention to tackle poverty and improve educational outcomes. Though the full benefits may take time to materialise, the move sets the tone for a broader shift in government policy around child welfare and hunger.
