The Institute for Fiscal Studies reports that the expansion of free school meals (FSM) in England will initially assist fewer children than expected, as current participation is over 25%. Although the government's plan aims to extend eligibility by September 2026, poverty campaigners have been cautioned that immediate effects on child poverty levels will be negligible. While the policy is projected to eventually lift 100,000 children out of poverty, many already receive free meals, resulting in smaller short-term benefits and costs than initially estimated.
While the expansion of free school meals is a positive move, the immediate impact will be limited due to many children already benefiting from the program.
The IFS highlights that the announced measures likely won't yield substantial results in reducing child poverty in the short term, despite optimism from campaigners.
Christine Farquharson notes that because 25.7% of pupils already receive free school meals, the expansion will impart benefits to far fewer children than anticipated.
The transition arrangements applied in 2018 mean that the effect of new FSM eligibility rules will be felt slower, limiting immediate benefits for many children.
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