Free school meals for more young Scots

Following agreements reached between the Scottish government and the Scottish Liberal Democrats and the Scottish Green Party, Scotland have been able to table amendments to the 2025-26 Budget Bill. 

As part of finance secretary Shona Robison’s £16.7 million funding package, free school meal eligibility will be extended to S1-S3 (Year Eight to Year Ten English equivalent) pupils in eight local authority areas for pupils who receive the Scottish Child Payment.

The Scottish Child Payment is a weekly payment of £26.70 that families, parents, and guardians can receive for every child they are responsible for under 16. Child carers are eligible if they are receiving certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Working Tax Credit.

This follows the government’s 2021 Scottish parliament election manifesto, in which SNP promised to deliver free school breakfast and lunches to every primary school pupil in Scotland, but rollout stalled to cater for P5 and P6 (Year Six and Year Seven) students in August 2022 as planned.

On her Budget, Ms Robison said: “We are determined to deliver on the issues that matter most to the people of Scotland — and that is why this Budget invests in public services and in eradicating child poverty, acts in the face of the climate emergency, and supports jobs.

“The first minister was clear that we should bring forward a budget by Scotland for Scotland, and the negotiations we have taken forward have been in that spirit. These additional initiatives demonstrate the value of a progressive approach and dialogue.

“During every stage of this process the Liberal Democrats and the Greens have engaged in our discussions in a positive and constructive manner.

“Through seeking compromise I believe we are delivering a budget that will strengthen services and support our communities. With the agreements with these two parties now in place this will secure a majority in parliament in support of the Budget Bill.”