HUNDREDS of families in Liverpool are to benefit from a new initiative which will automatically enrol eligible children for free school meals.

Approximately 26,000 households in the City receive free school meals, but national figures show that around 1 in 10 children are missing out.

By streamlining the enrolment process, the Council is committed to boosting take-up rates, ensuring no child goes without a decent meal during the school day, and saving parents around £500 per year.

The council has identified approximately 550 children who are not currently enrolled, and their parents or carers will be contacted directly to support them to apply. For those that do not apply, the council will automatically award free school meals unless they choose to opt out.

An additional benefit is that it will boost Pupil Premium funding for the school each child attends. This is currently worth £1,480 per child for primary schools, and £1,050 for secondary schools.

The move aligns with the UK Government’s recent announcement that all families receiving Universal Credit will qualify for free school meals from September 2026. The Government has said that, nationally, it will lift 100,000 children out of poverty.

Councillor Ruth Bennett, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources, and Transformation, said:- "We are committed to ensuring every child in this city has the best possible start in life and access to free school meals is just one part of that. By automatically enrolling all eligible children, Liverpool Council will guarantee that every child who is entitled to a free school meal will receive it. By putting money back into the pockets of families each year, this action will make a real difference to families struggling with the cost of living and will ensure that more children in Liverpool receive free school meals every day.”

Cabinet Member for Employment, Educational Attainment and Skills, Councillor Joanne Kennedy, said:- “Any teacher will tell you that a decent meal during the school day is essential to help make sure children are in the best possible frame of mind for learning. We know that these are tough times for families, and together with the extension of free school meals for all children whose parents receive Universal Credit from September 2026, it is really good news.”

Families can find out if they are eligible for free school meals, and register themselves, at this website.