Westminster free school meal support to align with expanded national eligibility
Westminster free school meals support for secondary school pupils will align with government eligibility, following the Government’s expansion of national eligibility.
Subject to the council’s formal decision-making process, Westminster free school meals support offer for borough residents in Years 7 to 9 will align with the new national eligibility rules, which will cover all children whose families receive Universal Credit.
The Government’s expanded scheme is due to begin in September 2026 and will extend Free School Meals to every child identified nationally as being in financial need through Universal Credit.
Council leaders say the change will allow national funding to provide support for families already covered by Westminster’s existing Key Stage 3 programme while enabling the authority to focus its own financial resources on additional services.
Westminster says it is continuing to fund its enhanced Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme for the remainder of the current financial year. Unlike the Government’s standard HAF scheme, the council’s version provides both activities and meals for children from families receiving Universal Credit during school holidays, including half-term breaks.
The authority has also confirmed that funding for its school uniform grant will continue into the next academic year, supporting families with children moving into Reception and Year 7.
The council says the changes come as it manages significant financial pressures after losing £100 million in Government funding over the next four years.
Families receiving Universal Credit will qualify for Free School Meals under the national scheme from September 2026. However, parents will still need to register, or re-register, through their child’s school or via Westminster City Council to ensure meals continue without interruption.
Residents needing additional assistance are being encouraged to contact Westminster’s Family Hub services or apply through the council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund.
Councillor Hannah Galley, Westminster City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Education, said aligning with the expanded national eligibility criteria would ensure support reaches families assessed as needing financial assistance while allowing the council to continue investing in wider programmes that help children throughout the year.
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