The MLA was speaking after an uplift in the earnings threshold was confirmed by the Department of Education at Stormont
Free school meals should be offered to all families on Universal Credit in Northern Ireland, an SDLP MLA has urged.
Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan pointed to the example in England, where the measure will apply from next year onwards.
He was speaking after the Department of Education at Stormont confirmed an uplift in the earnings threshold for eligibility from £15,000 to £15,390 for families on Universal Credit.
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Mr Durkan described the increase, which effectively allows families to earn an extra £390 in a year or just over £1 more per day without losing their eligibility for free school meals, as a “meagre” increase.
In a statement, the Foyle MLA said the Department should follow the more ambitious examples of England and Scotland.
“This increase is nothing short of insulting,” he said. “It still remains below the £16,190 threshold which applied under the outdated Tax Credits system and is well behind what is available elsewhere.
“In England, it was announced that from next year onwards all families on Universal Credit are now entitled to free school meals. That’s the level of ambition and fairness we should be aiming for here.
“The SDLP has been calling for a meaningful uplift in the threshold that takes inflation into consideration. The expansion of eligibility so that all low-income families can access support. And in the longer term a universal primary school meals programme, similar to the successful Scottish model.”
Mr Durkan continued: “A parent working full-time on minimum wage earns just over £20,000 and yet under this system, they’re excluded from receiving support. These are working families already facing impossible choices between food, bills and uniforms. The Executive’s promise to ‘do what matters most’ rings hollow with a meagre £390 increase.”
“This is not just a matter of fairness, it’s a question of child wellbeing. The SDLP will continue to push for real reform that puts children’s needs first and ensures every family has the support they need to get through the school year with dignity.”
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