| answer text |
<p>As previously communicated, the department has looked at auto-enrolment and
considers there to be merit in local authorities exploring initiatives to maximise
take up and to better understand the barriers that prevent such take up, whilst also
ensuring adherence to legal and data protection constraints, which still remain an
important consideration. These include constraints around data-sharing, as well as
the need for families to make a claim for free school meals to be eligible under the
current process.</p><p> </p><p>The department continues to engage with key stakeholders
in this area, noting the methods currently being trialled across a number of local
authorities to increase and maximise take up.</p><p> </p>
|
 |
