More children are becoming eligible for free meals at school, according to figures disclosed by the Department for Education. Almost 1.2 million pupils can claim free lunches this year – a rise of more than 83,000 in 12 months.
Now 18.6 per cent of primary pupils are eligible; 15.4 per cent of secondary. This evidence shows more families are being tipped into poverty by the capitalist depression: hardship and privation are increasing.