Question about free school meals eligibility and the income tax threshold

[Shitemum]

Does anyone know why the eligibility threshold for free school meals has not risen in line with the income tax threshold?

The threshold income for free meals is £6420

The Personal Allowance for income tax:

2010-11
£6,475

2011-12
£7,475

2012-13
£8,105

So, I am about 1K below the income tax threshold for this tax year but earn 'too much' to be eligible for free meals. Paradoxically if I pay for meals for my two children the spend will bring me back under the threshold!

In Essex it's under 16k which is ridiculously high. Where are you?

It's decided by the local authority, isn't it? In my area the threshold is £16190 for people in receipt of Child Tax Credit but not Working Tax Credit. Check your postcode via this link because £7,000 seems very low by comparison.