Overview

• The Scottish Government announced the rollback of its plan to provide universal free school meals for all primary pupils.
• Only Primary 6 and 7 students receiving the Scottish Child Payment will now be eligible for free meals.
• Children's Commissioner Nicola Killean and opposition parties have condemned the move as a broken promise.
• Critics argue that the decision exacerbates stigma and food insecurity among children.
• The government cites financial pressures from high inflation and prolonged austerity for the policy change.