The Welsh Government has
announced £15m to start enabling more
secondary pupils to receive free school meals.
The new Welsh Government has
committed to expand free school meals to secondary
school
pupils in households receiving Universal
Credit by removing the income
limit. Currently, secondary
school learners can only receive free
school meals if their family receives Universal
Credit and their household earnings are less
than £7,400, not including benefits.
The additional funding is part of the Welsh
Government's supplementary budget for this financial year,
2026-27, with plans to begin rolling out the policy from
September.
The funding boost will be split into £10m of capital
funding, to invest in school kitchen and dining
areas, and £5m of revenue funding,
for introducing the scheme, expanding existing funding
for Free School Meal provision.
As part of the co-operation
agreement with Plaid Cymru between 2021 and
2024, the Welsh Government expanded free school meals
to all primary school children in Wales.
Cabinet Minister for Education and Welsh Language, , said: This funding
marks the first step in our commitment to extend free school
meals to more secondary pupils, ensuring that support reaches
families who need it most. By starting to invest, we are
laying the foundations for a fair and sustainable expansion that
will make a real difference in pupils' daily lives.
This work is about removing barriers to learning and supporting
wellbeing. We know that access to nutritious food improves
concentration, attainment and overall health. Building
on the success of universal primary free school
meals, we will ensure that as children move into
secondary education those who need
it most will continue to receive
the support, they need to thrive.
We are working with partners on plans to
deliver this effectively and at
pace ensuring every pound delivers the greatest
possible benefit for the people of Wales. Further details will be
announced shortly.
First Minister added:
Extending eligibility to more families on Universal Credit is an
important move in our wider effort to tackle child poverty and
reduce inequalities across Wales.
Starting this work is a key aspect
of our 100 Day Plan and
beyond - taking practical
action by putting money back into families'
pockets and ensuring every young person has the opportunity
to succeed, regardless of their background.
Notes to editors
Today's announcement is part of the Welsh Government's First
Supplementary Budget for 2026-27, to be published on 23
June. The budget sets out this Government's early spending
priorities, targeting investment where it will make the greatest
difference for the people of Wales.
