The number of children eligible for free school meals has fallen sharply in inner London since 2010 leading to claims thousands of poorer families have been forced out by rising costs and changes to the benefits system. Critics say this has led to ‘vast social cleansing’ in many parts of the capital.
Highest fall in free school meal eligibility
31%
2 Newham
25%
3 Camden
25%
4 Southwark
32%
1 Hammersmith and Fulham
2015
2010
50 and above
40-49
30-39
20-29
19 and below
Percentage of pupils known to be eligible for
and claiming free school meals in London
The number of children eligible for free school meals has fallen sharply in inner London since 2010 leading to claims thousands of poorer families have been forced out by rising costs and changes to the benefits system. Critics say this has led to ‘vast social cleansing’ in many parts of the capital.
-31%
2 Newham
-25%
3 Camden
-25%
4 Southwark
-32%
Highest fall in free school meal eligibility
1 Hammersmith and Fulham
2015
2010
50 and above
40-49
30-39
20-29
19 and below
Percentage of pupils known to be eligible for
and claiming free school meals in London
4
3
2
1
4
3
2
1
The number of children eligible for free school meals has fallen sharply in inner London since 2010 leading to claims thousands of poorer families have been forced out by rising costs and changes to the benefits system. Critics say this has led to ‘vast social cleansing’ in many parts of the capital.
-31%
2 Newham
-25%
3 Camden
-25%
4 Southwark
-32%
1 Hammersmith
and Fulham
2015
Highest fall in
free school meal
eligibility
46.2%
2 Islington
39.1%
4 Westminster
4
3
2
1
4
3
2
1
51.9%
1 Tower Hamlets
40.7%
3 Camden
2010
Highest percentage
of children eligible
for free school
meals
50 and above
40-49
30-39
20-29
19 and below
Pupils known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals, %