TUE 1ST APR 2025 2:53:08 PM BST
This site uses cookies, by continuing to use this site you accept the terms of our privacy policy
Home
Construction
Leisure
Manufacturing
Misc.
Primary
Professional
Public
Retail
Tourism
Transport
Site Map
Feed 2.0 Loading...
Free School Meals For More Highland Pupils
5th December 2009
The Highland Council is urging parents and carers in the Highlands not to waste their cash but to take advantage of the fact that more people are now entitled to free school meals.
Chairman of The Highland Council's Education, Culture and Sport Committee, Councillor Bill Fernie said: "The eligibility criteria for free school meals and school clothing has been extended, and this means that some people who were previously not entitled may now be. There is money to be saved out there if only people would accept it."
The Scottish Government extended free meal entitlement throughout Scotland in August 2009.
Parents or carers who are in receipt of both Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit, and have an income below the threshold for receipt of maximum Working Tax Credit, currently set by the UK Government at �6,420, are now entitled to free school lunches.
Councillor Fernie urged people with children at Highland schools to reconsider if their circumstances have changed or if they are eligible to claim.
Free school meals and assistance with school clothing can be claimed if parents/carers are receiving any one of the following:
� Income Support (which includes Guarantee Pension Credit); or
� Income-Based Job Seekers Allowance; or
� Any income related element of Employment and Support Allowance; or
� Child Tax Credit, but not in receipt of Working Tax Credit, and your income is less than �16,040 (as assessed by the Inland Revenue); or
� Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit and an income below �6,420 (as assessed by the Inland Revenue).
� Pupils who are 16 - 18 yrs old and receive any of these benefits in their own right can then claim for themselves.
� Asylum seekers receiving support under part VI of the Immigration & Asylum Act 1999 are also eligible for free school meals and assistance with school clothing.
Application forms and information sheets are available at Council Service Points, through local schools or on the council's website at: www.highland.gov.uk
Related Businesses
Related Articles
31/3/2025
Highland council Increasing charges from 1 April
Highland Council is implementing several changes to service charges in 2025: Council Rent Charges: An 8% increase has been agreed for council homes to address rising costs and fund housing improvements. The average weekly rent for council homes will rise to £82.84, which is still below the national average.28/3/2025
Highland Councillors Accept £490,00 pay increase - 22% Rise taking total to £2.3million
Highland Council have agreed to boost senior councillor pay by between £5-11k this year. The move adds almost £500k to the councillor wage bill, bringing it to a new total of £2.3 million.24/3/2025
Councillors to consider Highland Investment Plan update
Highland Councillors will be asked to consider a new approach on the future of the Highland Investment Plan (HIP). Approval is being sought for the allocation of funding for the first phase of proposed projects for 2024/25 to 2029/30 which will help improve local public facilities and sustain local communities and population.21/3/2025
Key appointments form core leadership team at Inverness Castle Experience
The Inverness Castle Experience is delighted to announce the appointment of three senior roles, adding to its leadership team ahead of its highly anticipated opening later this summer. The Inverness Castle project is part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, which is a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.21/3/2025
Highland Coincillors approve ambitious Talent Strategy to foster growth and innovation
Members of today's Corporate Resources Committee (Thursday, 20 March) were presented with and approved the organisation’s Talent Strategy and Talent Action Plan These have been designed to support initiatives to grow and retain talent within the Council, ensuring a sustainable workforce for the future. The Talent Action Plan includes initiatives such as developing apprenticeship programmes, enhancing diversity and inclusion, and promoting flexible work models.14/3/2025
Continued funding welcomed for ‘Lifeline' Wick-Aberdeen air service
The Highland Council has today received confirmation from Scottish Government that it will continue to provide funding to the Wick-Aberdeen Public Service Obligation (PSO) into financial year 2025/26. The funding provided by Scottish Government in 2025/26 will be up to £1 million, as in previous years, and The Highland Council will continue with its own already agreed commitment of £300,000.13/3/2025
Highland Council approves £2 million investment in environmental and community services
As agreed at The Highland Council's budget meeting on Thursday 6 March, more than £2 million has been approved for investment in environmental and community services throughout the Highlands including a community development fund, a community-focused operating model, Access Rangers and grass cutting maintenance. Councillor Bill Lobban, Convener of Highland Council, said: "These investments reinforce our commitment to working with communities to create a resilient, sustainable and nature-positive Highland.11/3/2025
Young people across the Highlands are encouraged to register to vote
The Highland Council is taking part in the 2025 Welcome to Your Vote Week campaign run by the Electoral Commission which launches today (Monday 10 March). Every year the Electoral Commission asks schools, colleges, youth groups and universities to celebrate democracy by teaching democratic education with their students and young people.
10/3/2025
£4.3M Budget investment to strengthen Education Even When Facing Budgetary Issues
A £4.3m investment for education was agreed in Highland Council's 2025/26 budget. This investment is a key indicator of change for Highland schools, its 31,000 pupils and their 2,000+ teachers and support staff that will further consolidate the Council's on-going path to improvement.7/3/2025
Highland Council Agrees 7% Rise in Council Tax - One Of Lowest In Scotland
Highland council agreed a 7% increase in Council Tax, one of the lowest increases in Scotland, with 2% of this allocated to create capital investment fund for schools and roads as part of the Highland Investment Plan. Members agreed a budget which will see over £4.5 million of revenue investments for 2025 - 2026, over £17 million additional reserves investment for major developments and the creation of over 100 jobs across the Highlands.Our Social Media
