MORE THAN 4,500 children in Redditch are set to benefit from the Government’s decision to extend free school meals to every child in a household receiving Universal Credit.
The new policy, which comes into force from the start of the 2026 school year, is set to benefit more than half-a-million children across England, including up to 4,620 children across the borough.
Under the changes, all children in households receiving Universal Credit – regardless of income level – will now be entitled to a free, nutritious school lunch.
The policy will apply across all current settings where free school meals are delivered, including schools, school-based nurseries and further education colleges.
Redditch MP Chris Bloore has welcomed the decision.
“This expansion of free school meals will not only ease the burden on hard-working parents, but also ensure children are better able to learn, grow and succeed,” he said.
“It’s part of a serious plan to level the playing field – lifting children out of poverty, putting money back in people’s pockets and breaking down barriers to opportunity.
“I’m proud to back a Labour Government that is putting children and families first.”
To ensure meals meet the highest nutritional standards, the Government is also launching a review of the School Food Standards with experts from across the education and public health sectors.
Parents will be able to check their child’s eligibility by submitting their National Insurance number to schools before the September 2026 roll-out.
The announcement comes ahead of the full publication of the Government’s Child Poverty Strategy, due later in 2025.
