Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what progress has been made on data-sharing arrangements between the Department of Work and Pensions and Department for Education to ensure that children automatically qualify for free school meals as their families move onto the expanded Universal Credit from September 2026.

This government is committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity and tackling child poverty. We want to ensure that every family that needs support can access it. Extending free school meals to all children in households receiving Universal Credit represents a significant step towards achieving that objective. The expansion provides over half a million additional children with access to a free, nutritious lunchtime meal and is expected to lift around 100,000 children out of poverty by the end of this Parliament.

The department has upgraded the eligibility checking system, which makes it easier to check if children are eligible for free meals. We also have worked closely across government, including with the Department for Work and Pensions, and with schools and local authorities to support implementation and raise awareness.

The department will monitor take-up as the expansion is implemented.