Westminster City Council has announced plans to cut universal free school meals for children in Years 7 to 9 after the Conservatives regained control of the council in May. The move will mean hundreds of families in the borough will have to start paying for their children's school meals, estimated to cost around £550 per child per year.
Labour's initiative scrapped
The free school meals for Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) were introduced by the Westminster Labour Group, which has now started a petition urging the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services to reconsider the decision. The petition states: "We know that universal, non-stigmatised free school meals are the best way to support hard-working families on a low income, who are not claiming state benefits and therefore do not meet the threshold for statutory support. Free school meals improve attendance and attainment and are an investment in our young people’s future."
National scheme expansion
The change comes as the national government plans to expand its free school meals scheme in September to cover all children from families on Universal Credit. Previously, eligibility was limited to families with an income of less than £7,400 a year. Westminster Labour had chosen to offer additional support locally, providing free meals to all children in KS3 and nursery. The Conservative administration's plans will cut this extra support, aligning the borough's offer with the new national scheme.
Council's financial pressures
Westminster City Council said the decision is driven by significant financial pressure, requiring it to focus "on helping those who need support the most." Under the new plan, only families on Universal Credit will be eligible for free school meals, rather than all KS3 pupils. The council will continue to fund its expanded Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) offer for the rest of the financial year and has extended funding for the school uniform grant for the next academic year.
Official statement
Cllr Hannah Galley, Cabinet Member for Children and Education, said: "With all children assessed as needing financial support becoming eligible for free school meals from September, it is the right thing to do to align our secondary school meal offer with the expanded national eligibility criteria. We are committed to supporting those families who need it most, which is why we are continuing to fund our enhanced Holiday Activity and Food programme and the school uniform fund for those pupils transitioning into primary and secondary schools."
Registration and support
Any family in receipt of Universal Credit will automatically be eligible for the Free School Meal Scheme from September but must register or re-register through their school or directly via the council's website. Families needing further support are encouraged to contact Westminster's Family Hub services or access the new Crisis and Resilience Fund.
