MORE Worcestershire pupils are receiving free school meals than ever before, as campaigners argue the Government should widen the eligibility criteria amidst the cost-of-living crisis.

And the Labour party claims that working families nationwide are suffering while the Government is distracted by the Conservative leadership election.

Department for Education figures show 15,069 children in Worcestershire were eligible for free school meals in January – 18.3 per cent of all state school pupils in the area.

This was up from 16.8 per cent the year before, and the highest proportion since comparable records began in 2015-16.

In pupil referral units, the rate was 60.2 per cent in 2021-22 – the highest of all types of state education which had at least 100 pupils.

This was compared to 4.5 per cent in nursery schools.

Across England, 22.5 per cent of pupils (around 1.9 million children) are currently eligible for free school meals – up from 20.8 per cent, and also a record high.

This varied between just 9 per cent in Wokingham, in the South East, but rose as high as 41.1 per cent in Islington, in London.

In a debate in Parliament on Tuesday (July 12), Labour called for the scheme to be extended to all children in families receiving Universal Credit or equivalent benefits.

Labour's shadow schools minister Stephen Morgan said the cost-of-living crisis was being worsened by "chaotic Conservative government".

He added: “While the Conservatives are distracted by fighting amongst themselves, the perfect storm of soaring food costs, Tory tax hikes and inadequate funding continue to take their toll on families and deepen existing inequalities.

“Labour would be providing breakfast clubs for every child, making sure every child has the best start to the day and the best start to life."

The Association of School and College Leaders said it is "shocking" that one of the world's wealthiest economies saw such a steep rise in the number of youngsters on free school meals this year.