From the start of the 2026 school year, more than half a million more pupils will be eligible for free lunches in schools, nurseries and further education settings, the Government announced.
Rachel Reeves also announced a partial U-turn on the means-testing of winter fuel allowance, saying the payment would be made available to thousands of more pensioners.
MPs have expressed concern that proposed cuts to the universal credit health element, and personal independence payments (PIP), could push vulnerable people into hardship – including children in households which could fall into poverty.
But sources said No 10 hopes taking steps to deal with child poverty, by widening the scope for free school meals, would alleviate some of these fears.
Previously only parents or carers on the benefit who earned less than £7,400 a year were able to apply for free meals for their children.
Nearly 2.1 million pupils in England were eligible for free school meals in January 2024. The Government said this change would see more than 500,000 more children now entitled.
Previous reports suggested universal free school meals for infants – those in reception and years one or two – could be means-tested in order to fund the policy but The i Paper understands this is not going to be the case.
Labour MPs urge the Government to go further
Labour MPs praised the announcement and said it was a positive step – but urged the Government to go further.
Chris Webb, Labour MP for Blackpool South, added the move was “a vital step in supporting families in need, and it will undoubtedly benefit many children across the country”.
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“I strongly urge the Government and the Child Poverty Taskforce to consider expanding free school meals to all children, as many successful countries have done. This approach not only promotes better health and educational outcomes for children but also helps eliminate the stigma associated with receiving [a] free meal,” he said.
Kendall promised more “ambitious” policies would come in the coming months.
Dan Paskins, from Save the Children UK, said the measures would “transform the lives of families and we welcome the UK Government’s announcement”.
The Prime Minister said: “This expansion is a truly historic moment for our country, helping families who need it most and delivering our Plan for Change to give every child, no matter their background, the same chance to succeed.”
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