Labour MP Peter Lamb called on the Commons to back a new Bill demanding that all those eligible for free school meals are automatically signed up – with an estimated 470,000 missing out
A Labour MP has pleaded for action to stop children missing out on free school meals.
Peter Lamb told the Commons that enrollment should be automatic for all those who qualify – and called for the law to be changed. He warned that stigma means many are not claiming it, with kids going hungry as a result.
Around 470,000 kids are estimated to qualify for free school meals under the current rules but are not signed up. Mr Lamb said: “When we look at the level of unclaimed benefits in our system that it is at least 10 times greater than the total value of benefit fraud in the system.
“People are, by and large, choosing not to access support available, sometimes because of stigma, sometimes because of a lack of awareness about it, but the impact upon that within our society is real.
“And we really should be doing everything we can to reduce the stigma around all this.”
Currently, households with a combined annual net income of £7,400 or less – excluding benefits – can sign their children up for free school meals.
Education minister Stephen Morgan said the Government was “sympathetic” to a Bill put forward by Mr Lamb. But he said measures were already being taken to stop people missing out.
Mr Morgan told the Commons that a digital portal used by local authorities is being upgraded, and it is expected to boost take up by eligible families.
Only families earning less than £7,400 after tax and excluding benefits are eligible for free school meals. The Mirror is campaigning for free lunches for all primary school kids. Auto-enrolment would mean anyone eligible would automatically get access to free school meals. In the meantime, you can find a list of eligibility rules and/or apply for free school meals here.