Proposed regulations to support next phase of
rollout.
Families could get quicker access to free school meals under
proposed new regulations laid in Parliament.
If agreed by MSPs, the regulations would see Social Security
Scotland given new powers, allowing them to share Scottish Child
Payment data with local authorities. This would allow councils to
ensure eligible pupils receive their free school meals.
The latest phase of the free school meals programme will include
all pupils in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment in Primaries
6 to 7 and S1-S3 in eight local authority areas.
Education Secretary said:
“Free school meals are a crucial element of the Scottish
Government's ambition to eradicate child poverty, and the
provision is currently available to over 273,000 pupils across
Scotland, saving families who take up the offer around £400 per
child per year.
“The next phase of the rollout will significantly build upon
this, with an additional 25,000 pupils being able to benefit from
this vital provision. Through further support for data sharing,
local authorities will be able to more quickly identify those
eligible for this next phase.
“That is why we have proposed these changes to streamline the
process to help more families and remove any administrative
burden for local authorities. I would encourage members of the
Committee to back these proposals to ensure more families can
easily access the support they need.”
BACKGROUND
The Education, Children and Young People will vote on the
regulations on Wednesday 2 April. If approved, they will come
into effect from 19 May 2025.
