Oral QuestionCabinet Office

What assessment the Child Poverty Unit has made of the potential merits of auto-enrolling eligible children for free school meals.

Tabled: 27 November 2025Answered: 4 December 2025

Asked by

Charlie Maynard

Liberal DemocratWitney

Answering Minister

the Minister for the Cabinet Office

Answer from Hansard

The Minister without Portfolio (Anna Turley)

This Labour Government are proud to be taking historic steps to end child poverty. We are extending eligibility for free school meals to all children and households receiving universal credit next September in an unprecedented boost for children. That is going to benefit over half a million more children and put around £500 back into parents’ pockets every year. We believe that every child can better fulfil their potential if they are well fed, nourished and ready to learn in their school day.