Free school meals expanded to secondary pupils from universal credit homes

All secondary school pupils in Wales whose parents receive universal credit will be entitled to free school meals from September, the first minister has said.

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth confirmed the policy in the Senedd as he outlined his new Plaid Cymru government's priorities after the party's election win.

The policy removes the current income threshold of £7,400 per year that limits eligibility and brings Wales into line with England, which is scrapping its income cap. All primary pupils in Wales already receive free school meals.

Ap Iorwerth said on Tuesday that the change was about "supporting students' learning and giving families one less cost to worry about".

Plaid Cymru previously committed to bring in the policy when it announced its plans for its first 100 days in government ahead of the election earlier this year.

Free primary school meals were rolled out in Wales in phases between September 2022 and September 2024 as part of a co-operation agreement between the previous Welsh Labour government and Plaid Cymru, which was then in opposition.

Ap Iorwerth was making his first appearance in the Welsh Parliament since being sworn in to lead the Welsh government last week.

Answering questions from Senedd members, he also confirmed he discussed Welsh independence from the United Kingdom with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in a call last week.