Call to give entitled kids free meals

Scottish authorities should use the UK Government’s welfare reforms to ensure every child who is entitled to a free school meal receives one, according to child poverty 
campaigners.

Around 139,800 children live in poverty in Scotland but only 97,096 receive a free school meal, say the Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland.

The UK Department of Work and Pensions new universal credit will replace existing benefits used as a “passport” to receive additional local services such as free school meals.

Holyrood’s Welfare Reform Committee will today be urged to extend free meals to those missing out.