4 September 2026
Families across Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland are getting extra help with the cost of sending their children to school, as new measures from the Labour Government come into force this week.
The Labour Government’s Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act expands free school meals to 500,000 more children, rolls out more funded breakfast clubs in schools, and puts legal limits on expensive branded school uniform. Luke voted for the legislation in Parliament – while the Conservatives & Reform attempted to block the Bill.
The free school meal expansion will benefit up to 4,770 children in Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, and is expected to save families around £500 per child each year.
The support comes alongside a major expansion of free breakfast clubs, including at local schools such as Chaloner Primary, Handale Primary, Lingdale Primary, Whitecliffe Primary Academy. The clubs give children a free breakfast while saving parents money and time before school.
The Labour Government is also cracking down on expensive school uniforms. New rules now limit schools to three branded items for primary pupils and four for secondary pupils, with tougher action against attempts to get around the rules through supposedly “optional” branded clothing or expensive sports kit.
Taken together, free meals, breakfast clubs and cheaper uniforms could save some families up to £1,200 a year.
Education Secretary, Lucy Powell, said:
“For parents the start of term can be one of the most expensive times of the year. From school uniforms and lunches to childcare and all the other costs that come with a new term, the bills can quickly add up.
“But this week families will finally start to feel the benefit of our support back in their pockets. Through our historic expansion of free school meals, more free breakfast clubs, childcare support and action on school uniform costs, we’re helping ease the back-to-school squeeze with thousands of savings that give parents the breathing space they need.
“That breathing space means families can focus on what matters most: helping their children learn, grow and thrive, while I focus on delivering an education system that gives every child a clear route to success.”
Nick Harrison, CEO of the Sutton Trust:, said:
“These measures are a significant step towards taking hunger out of the classroom. Children can’t learn effectively when hungry, so these efforts will help tackle the effects of child poverty, as well as improving education outcomes for disadvantaged young people.“
Luke Myer MP said:
“I was proud to vote for these common-sense changes to create a bit of breathing space for hardworking parents. Children shouldn’t be sitting in classrooms hungry and parents shouldn’t be ripped off just because their child needs a school jumper.
“These are practical changes from a Labour Government which will put money back into the pockets of families across Teesside.”