Tories to Scrap Free Secondary School Meals in London Borough Following Labour’s Council Loss

Westminster City Council has unveiled plans to discontinue universal free school meals for children in years 7 to 9, following the Conservative Party’s return to power in May. This decision means that hundreds of families in the borough will now face costs estimated at around £550 per child per year for school meals.

Opposition from Local Labour Group

The Westminster Labour Group, which was instrumental in introducing free school meals for Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) pupils, has initiated a petition urging the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services to reconsider these changes. The petition asserts: “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.”

This policy shift coincides with the National Government’s intentions to expand its free school meals scheme come September, which will now cover all children from families receiving Universal Credit. Previously, this provision was restricted to households with an income below £7,400 annually. In contrast, the Westminster Labour Group had opted to provide additional assistance within the borough, extending free school meals to all children in Key Stage 3 and nursery settings.

Changes to Eligibility Criteria

The Westminster Conservatives’ new plans will eliminate this extra support, aligning the local offer with the national scheme. Consequently, only children in Key Stage 3 from families on Universal Credit will continue to receive free school meals under the council-funded initiative.

Facing considerable financial constraints, the council has stated that it is prioritising assistance for those most in need. Nonetheless, it will maintain funding for its expanded Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme throughout the remainder of the financial year and has also prolonged the funding for the school uniform grant for the upcoming academic year.

Official Statements on the Decision

Cllr Hannah Galley, the Cabinet Member for Children and Education, remarked: “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.”

From September, any family in receipt of Universal Credit will automatically qualify for the Free School Meal Scheme, but will need to register or re-register through their school or directly via the council’s website. Families requiring additional support are encouraged to reach out to Westminster’s Family Hub services or to utilise the new Crisis and Resilience Fund.