Cornwall Council has announced the implementation of an automatic enrolment system for free school meals, scheduled to begin in September 2026. This decision was made during a recent cabinet meeting and aims to simplify the process for families eligible for assistance, as they will no longer need to submit applications.
This move is prompted by a report from the Director of Public Health, which highlighted that over 27,000 children and young people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are living in relative poverty. Council leader Leigh Frost emphasized that the initiative aims to positively impact children and families throughout the county. According to Frost, it is estimated that about 1,800 children may currently be missing out on benefits they are entitled to, and the automatic enrolment could redirect nearly £900,000 into family budgets annually, alongside an influx of nearly £2 million in additional Pupil Premium funding for local schools.
Councillor Thalia Marrington, who oversees community safety and public health, stressed the council’s obligation to respond to the public health report with urgency and compassion. Similarly, Councillor Hilary Frank, responsible for children, families, and schools, remarked on the importance of recognizing the direct effects of poverty on children’s lives, underscoring that it is not merely an abstract issue.
Additionally, the cabinet approved plans for a budget and financial strategy. Deputy leader Councillor Adam Paynter noted that the council faces the challenge of making significant savings, estimated at between £45 million and £70 million, to achieve a balanced budget for the 2026/27 fiscal year. He indicated that funding levels are unlikely to increase substantially without significant government changes, while costs are projected to rise, making strategic funding allocation critical.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly7163g4gro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss