Is this fraud & should I report it?

Naf

Our son's school recently sent out their newsletter with a section reminding parents about eligibility for free school meals. In there they ask for parents to apply even if their child will not be having school meals (i.e. packed lunches, not part time) so the school can claim the funding anyway "to support children's learning".
Surely this is benefit fraud? And where would I report it?

custardy

Naf wrote: »

Our son's school recently sent out their newsletter with a section reminding parents about eligibility for free school meals. In there they ask for parents to apply even if their child will not be having school meals (i.e. packed lunches, not part time) so the school can claim the funding anyway "to support children's learning".
Surely this is benefit fraud? And where would I report it?

what benefit is the school in receipt of?
I think you mean funding and this is the way budgeting and funding works
if they dont put in the numbers,their budget is cut

Naf

The benefit goes to the school as funding for a child's meals - making a claim for a child who is not actually having those meals is fraud either on the part of the school or parent(s) or both...
It's not funding; the school collects money from parents for school meals, this is a state benefit for low income families.

Own_My_Own

Naf wrote: »

Our son's school recently sent out their newsletter with a section reminding parents about eligibility for free school meals. In there they ask for parents to apply even if their child will not be having school meals (i.e. packed lunches, not part time) so the school can claim the funding anyway "to support children's learning".
Surely this is benefit fraud? And where would I report it?

All schools do it. The more free meals needed at a school the more funding they get, as it assumed the area they are in needs it.

They are not asking anyone to commit fraud. They are asking everyone who is already entitled to them to claim them.

aliasojo

In this day and age of cutbacks, I'd be thankful the school are trying to ensure their kids get as much help as they can. From whatever avenue.

If a kid is entitled to free school meals, then it's entitled. End of.

It's not like the school is asking people to lie about entitlement.

It's not the school's fault if an entitled child ends up eating a packed lunch.

Personally I'd be keeping my nose out.

tomtom256

What is your benefit related question?

asdf1982

aliasojo wrote: »

In this day and age of cutbacks, I'd be thankful the school are trying to ensure their kids get as much help as they can. From whatever avenue.

.

Yes but then isnt that funding that could be used for another child or another school who really needs it? I would report to the council anonymously

mama.a

How can it be fraud it's all about family's on low income not benifit fraud why on earth would a school do that they are obviously trying to help parents

tibawo

asdf1982 wrote: »

Yes but then isnt that funding that could be used for another child or another school who really needs it? I would report to the council anonymously

It is funding the school is entitled to, no fraud.

If a child can claim free school meals then the school gets 'extra' in their budget.

Whether a parent chooses to take up free school meals then this is their choice and cannot be forced upon them.

The school is just reminding parents to claim.

Where is the fraud?

Ames

What exactly do you have against your child's school getting more money to spend on their education?

aliasojo

Ames wrote: »

What exactly do you have against your child's school getting more money to spend on their education?

I wondered the same.

Now, if it was a rival school the Op wanted to complain about I could see the point. :rotfl: