Welsh Government ‘benefits squeeze’ leaving low income children without free school meals, group warns

The Bevan Foundation has raised concerns about the impact of the Welsh Government’s policies on child poverty in Wales, particularly in relation to free school meals for low-income children. According to the foundation, benefits aimed at tackling child poverty have not increased in line with inflation, leading to many children missing out on essential support.

While the Welsh Government recently extended non means-tested free school meals to all primary school children, the Bevan Foundation warns that older low-income children are being left behind. The foundation is urging the government to raise the eligibility thresholds and cash values of benefits such as free school meals and the School Essentials Grant to ensure more families have access to crucial support.

Research by the foundation highlights that families now need to be £1,785 a year poorer than in 2019 to qualify for certain benefits, indicating a significant discrepancy in the support provided. For instance, the criteria for free school meals in secondary school require a parent to earn less than £7,400 annually, a figure that has not kept pace with inflation.

Dr Steffan Evans, head of policy (poverty) at the Bevan Foundation, emphasised the importance of increasing Welsh benefits in line with inflation to prevent further hardships for low-income families. The foundation is calling on the Welsh Government to address this issue in the upcoming budget and restore the real terms value of benefits to ensure fairer access to support.

In response to the report, a Welsh Government spokesperson acknowledged the need to review eligibility criteria for free school meals but indicated no immediate plans for further extensions. However, the government is open to considering changes in the future to better support families in need.

The School Essentials Grant is highlighted as a key initiative to assist families with school-related costs, providing financial aid for essentials such as uniforms and supplies. Eligibility for the grant is based on income criteria, with families on lower incomes and certain benefits eligible to receive support.

Overall, the Bevan Foundation’s research underscores the importance of ensuring Welsh benefits keep pace with inflation to safeguard vulnerable families from falling deeper into poverty. By increasing eligibility thresholds and cash values, the Welsh Government has the opportunity to make a tangible difference in alleviating child poverty and promoting equality across Wales.