The analysis by Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) and Covid Realities [a research project led by the universities of York and Birmingham] finds that ‘restrictive’ eligibility criteria for free school meals (FSMs) means that many children in poverty are prevented from accessing any form of free school meal provision.
All school children receive free school meals up to Year 2 in England, after which the benefit is means tested.
Families in receipt of universal credit in England and Wales are eligible for the means-tested scheme if they earn less than £7,400 a year. In Scotland, they must earn less than £7,320, while in Northern Ireland, the threshold is higher at £14,000.
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