The Welsh Government announced £15 million to begin expanding free school meals for secondary pupils whose families receive Universal Credit.
The proposal would remove the previous income limit for qualifying households, with an initial focus on Years 7 and 8 from September. Of the funding, £10 million was for kitchen and dining capacity and £5 million for the start of delivery. The minister’s statement described intended implementation rather than an instant entitlement for every secondary pupil.
Why it matters: The effects will depend on take-up, school catering capacity, stigma around claiming and the ability to reach families whose incomes fluctuate.
