How many children currently receive free school meals and what the annual costs are of administering the means-tested free school meals sys…

The information in relation to the number of children currently receiving free school meals is given in the Scottish Executive National Statistics Publication, School Meals in Education Authority Schools 2002-03 which was published on 30 June 2003. Copies of the publication are available in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib. number 28265) or on the website:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00261-00.asp.Information on the administrative costs is also published by the Scottish Executive (Bib. number 29382). This relates to the whole school meals service. The administrative duties relative to free school meals can vary between authorities and we are unable to provide a further breakdown of cost. Entitlement to free school meals is, however, passported through the benefits and tax credits system, the administration of which is a reserved matter. Pupils or parents present evidence of receipt of the appropriate benefits and/or tax credits to the local authority who will arrange for the child to receive free school meals. The local authority report the numbers of pupils receiving free school meals when they submit their annual assessment report.