|
answer text |
<p>The department does not have plans to assess the effects of changing the current
eligibility conditions for free school meals (FSM). However, the department will continue
to keep FSM eligibility under review to ensure that these meals are supporting those
who most need them. In setting a threshold, the government believes that the current
level, which enables children to benefit from FSM while remaining affordable and deliverable
for schools, is the right one.</p><p>The latest published statistics show that around
1.9 million pupils are claiming FSM. This equates to 22.5% of all pupils, up from
20.8% in 2021. Together with a further 1.25 million infants supported through the
Universal Infant Free School Meal policy, 37.5% of pupils are now provided with FSM.
Extending FSM to all families on Universal Credit would carry a significant financial
cost.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
|
|