Kirklees’ Labour administration has welcomed the government announcement that more Kirklees children will qualify for free school meals.
On Thursday, 5 June, the government announced an expansion of the eligibility for Free School Meals, with every pupil whose household is on Universal Credit to be eligible from the start of the 2026 school year. The government says the new entitlement will include 500,000 more children.
The expansion will put £500 back into parents’ pockets, according to the Department for Education. And the policy has been supported by the Child Poverty Action Group, and the National Education Union, the largest education trade union in the United Kingdom.
Leader of Kirklees Council, Cllr Carole Pattison (Labour, Greenhead), said: “The announcement of expanding free school meals to over half a million more children is very welcome move towards tackling child poverty and supporting the most vulnerable families in society.”
“For eligible children and families across Kirklees from Heckmondwike to Holmfirth, Denby Dale to Birstall this will mean £500 back in their pocket and less worry about the cost of living. This is a Labour policy that will support working-class families, and we at Kirklees Labour are very happy to see this introduced.”
Cabinet Member for Education and Schools, Cllr Jane Rylah (Labour, Holme Valley South), said: “Expanding free school meals will mean fewer children hungry in school, this will mean children’s learning and attainment will benefit, class behaviour will improve and the wellbeing of children will increase. Children from all backgrounds will be given the opportunity to break barriers to opportunity.”
Cllr Rylah added: “This is exactly the sort of Labour policy we should be doing whilst in government. Tackling Child poverty is a priority of national government, and a priority of Kirklees Council whilst being led by Labour.”
The Food Foundation and Child Poverty Action Group found in 2024 that there were 17,987 children registered for means-tested Free School Meals in Kirklees, the third highest West Yorkshire. There are nearly 228,299 registered children for Free School Meals in Yorkshire and Humber.
