THOUSANDS of children are set to receive free school meals under new government plans.
Labour MP Chris Bloore has welcomed the policy, which will see all children in households receiving Universal Credit become eligible for free school meals from September 2026.
The change is expected to benefit up to 4,620 children in Redditch and the surrounding villages.
Mr Bloore said: "This expansion of free school meals will not only ease the burden on hard-working parents, but also ensure children are better able to learn, grow and succeed.
"It’s part of a serious plan to level the playing field – lifting children out of poverty, putting money back in people’s pockets and breaking down barriers to opportunity.
"I’m proud to back a Labour government that is putting children and families first."
Families could save up to £500 per child each year under the new policy, which marks the first significant reform to free school meal eligibility in more than a decade.
The scheme will cover all settings where free school meals are currently provided, including schools, school-based nurseries and further education colleges.
The government has also announced a review of the School Food Standards to ensure meals meet nutritional requirements.
Parents will be able to check eligibility by submitting their National Insurance number to schools before the rollout in September 2026.
Additional guidance for schools and local authorities is expected later this year.
The move is part of the government's wider Plan for Change, which aims to reduce child poverty and improve opportunities for families.
Other measures already introduced include free breakfast clubs in every primary school, limits on branded school uniform requirements and expanded childcare provision.
The free school meals expansion comes ahead of the government’s Child Poverty Strategy, which is due to be published in full later this year.
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