Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, which categories claimants of universal credit are entitled to claim free school meals for their children; and whether she plans to review that entitlement.

All pupils whose parents are in receipt of universal credit (UC) are currently entitled to free school meals (FSM). This is an interim arrangement during the initial roll-out of UC. All pupils registered for FSM attract pupil premium.

The Department for Education is working closely with the Department for Work and Pensions, other Government departments and other interested parties to establish criteria for determining entitlement to benefits-related FSM as the roll-out progresses. No decision has been taken yet, and our proposals on this matter will be announced in due course.