A short briefing for Assembly Members about the Welsh Government’s proposed changes to free school meals under Universal Credit. We are extremely concerned that 55,000 children living in poverty in Wales will continue to miss out on a free school meal as a result of the Welsh Government's proposal. Had Universal Credit continued to roll out under existing rules in Wales then most of these children would have received the benefits of a free school meal once rollout is complete. The proposal also creates a serious 'cliff edge' poverty trap that completely undermines Universal Credit's core objective of ensuring 'work always pays'. This could trap families in a situation where working more hours would make them worse off overall once the value of losing free school meals is taken into account.
Free school meals and Universal Credit in Wales - consultation response
Our full response to the Welsh Government’s consultation on their proposal to change the eligibility criteria for free school meals under Universal Credit. We are extremely concerned that 55,000 children living in poverty in Wales will continue to miss out on a free school meal as a result of the Welsh Government's proposal. Had Universal Credit continued to roll out under existing rules in Wales then most of these children would have received the benefits of a free school meal once rollout is complete. The proposal also creates a serious 'cliff edge' poverty trap that completely undermines Universal Credit's core objective of ensuring 'work always pays'. This could trap families in a situation where working more hours would make them worse off overall once the value of losing free school meals is taken into account.
Briefing on free school meals and Universal Credit
Short briefing on Government proposals to change eligibility for free school meals under Universal Credit.