13/07/2023
Derbyshire Labour Call on Council to Limit ‘Extortionate’ 41% School Meal Price Hike
Derbyshire’s Labour Councillors have called on the county council to limit the proposed rise in school meals of £2.30 to £3.25.
“Families are struggling enough already, so to hike school meal prices by 95p per day for each child will make school meals unaffordable for many families. A healthy nutritious meal is very important to help children learn, so they shouldn’t be priced out of school dinners.
“Derbyshire’s proposed increase to £3.25 is far higher than other councils, where the average cost of a primary school meal is due to rise to £2.65p. Neighbouring councils such as Cheshire East charge just £2.30 and in Nottinghamshire schools charge between £2.30 and £2.58.
“The cost increases that Derbyshire cites don’t justify such a huge increase which is unfair on families and risks our excellent in-house catering service becoming unviable if not enough families can afford school meals.
“That’s why the Labour Group are asking the Health Scrutiny Board at DCC to look at look at the wider impact that it could have on children’s health if they cannot afford school meals, to scrutinise the price rise and explore the reasons behind it.”
Joel Bryan shadow lead member for children and Joan Dixon Labour group leader
