Tag: Universal credit

According to January 2024 data, 2.1 million children in England were eligible for means-tested free school meals, with millions more receiving universal infant provision. This article breaks down exactly how many people in the UK are on free school meals, outlining the varying eligibility rules across the four nations and detailing recent policy changes affecting families.

Millions of children across the UK are supported by free school meals, but the exact number and eligibility criteria vary significantly by nation. Recent government data and policy changes in 2024 and 2025 highlight a complex and evolving landscape of provision, driven by factors such as the cost of living crisis.