UK parents can now save £1,200 a year under four new school rules
Children whose parents receive Universal Credit are now eligible for free school meals, as the government rolls out increased support for British families.
Announced today (1 September), the Labour government has unveiled a package of new measures which should save families an average of £1,200 a year.
This includes:
- Free school meals for families claiming Universal Credit
- Free breakfast clubs
- Limits on expensive branded school uniforms
The new measures follow the results of recent research, which revealed that the back-to-school period is often difficult for families. The study revealed that a third of parents will batch cook and cut back on treats in order to stretch food budgets further, while one in 10 have been forced to turn to food banks or community services for support.
Around 80 percent of respondents are also said to be in support of free breakfast clubs, free school meals and funded childcare, saying it would ease financial pressures.
Advert
Alongside these new support measures, the government has also confirmed that parents who are eligible for government-funded childcare could be able to save as much as £8,000 a year.
Who is eligible for government-funded childcare?
According to the government website, parents of children between nine months and four years old can get 30 hours per week of free childcare for 38 weeks of the year, as long as they meet the following requirements:
- You (and your partner) are working, self-employed or starting a new job
- Earning no more than £100,000
For more information on government-funded childcare and how to apply, click here.
Meanwhile, parents who aren't eligible may still be able to claim either Tax-Free Childcare or 15 hours of free childcare for kids aged between three and four.
Speaking about the decision to implement the support, Education Secretary Lucy Powell said that for many parents, the start of term can be 'one of the most expensive times of the year'.
"From school uniforms and lunches to childcare and all the other costs that come with a new term, the bills can quickly add up," she explained.
"But this week families will finally start to feel the benefit of our support back in their pockets. Through our historic expansion of free school meals, more free breakfast clubs, childcare support and action on school uniform costs, we’re helping ease the back-to-school squeeze with thousands of savings that give parents the breathing space they need."
The Education Secretary also confirmed that 1,400 new Free Breakfast Clubs will be opening their doors to children from September, allowing children to get a healthy meal before starting the school day, while also introducing 9000 childcare places and 450 new school-based nurseries this month.
"That breathing space means families can focus on what matters most: helping their children learn, grow and thrive, while I focus on delivering an education system that gives every child a clear route to success."
Brenna Cooper