Written question WQ85170
- Asked by
- Luke FletcherPlaid
- To be answered by
- Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
Will local authorities be able to use their discretionary power to fund free school meals for refugees once they enter schools?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
As a Nation of Sanctuary, we stand with the people of Ukraine and are ready to welcome those who need and want to leave Ukraine at this time. We want to ensure that these individuals are supported to rebuild their lives so have put in place a wide range of support which is available for refugees who arrive in Wales including access to free school meals.
Local authorities have the discretion not to charge for school meals – see section 512ZA of the Education Act 1996. This can be used to provide free school meals to children from families who for example have no recourse to public funds. Local Authorities have recently been reminded of these powers and we have reiterated our continuing commitment to ensure that no child in Wales goes hungry.
In relation to those families arriving in the UK from Ukraine because of the Russian invasion, emergency regulations have been laid by the UK Government, so families can access Universal Credit and other benefits where eligible. This means local authorities can check a family’s eligibility for free school meals and use their discretion to provide a meal ahead of any eligibility being confirmed.