The IFS estimates that around one in eight (13 per cent) of the 1.3 million children currently eligible for free school meals (FSMs) will lose their entitlement because of the Government’s new means-tested measure of eligibility.
The findings are published in a new report, out today, into the impact of the change to the rules concerning entitlement to FSMs.
The introduction of universal credit, which replaces the current benefit system, means that the Government needs to change the eligibility criteria for FSMs.
Currently, families on benefits stop qualifying for FSMs when they are working 16 hours and week and start receiving working tax credit.
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