I was delighted to see that another Liberal Democrat-led council’s scheme helping more than 2,400 children receive a free school meal has been made permanent.
Eligible children have been auto enrolled for a meal since the start of a trial in September, and the council has confirmed it will continue to do so permanently.
Primary and secondary head teachers had supported the scheme, saying it was “the way forward” and alleviated pressure on families and staff.
Over 2024/25, an additional 2,469 children benefited, with the council calculating that signing up for a free meal saves families an average of £400 per child per year.
“Signing up for a free meal saves families an average of £400 per child per year”
The move also brought in extra funds for the council’s schools through the Government’s pupil premium grant, with an estimated £3.5 million unlocked.
There are now a number of councils that auto enrol for free school meals, including, for example, the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames – and more councils need to do this.
The Government also needs to reconsider the extremely low income threshold of £7,400 that prevents more than 900,000 children who are living below the poverty line from accessing a free school meal.
However, it was extremely disappointing to see Labour MPs voting against Liberal Democrat MP Munira Wilson’s proposal to make auto enrolment for free school meals mandatory.