Councillors today 14th February 2019 agreed to increase the price of school meals despite some councillors pointing out that previous increase last year resulted in reduced number taking the meals. Councillors have little room to help as they did in the past to basically subsidise meals.
The price increase of 5p per 2 course meal would be applied across the Council as of 1st April 2019, 2020 and 2021.
A redesign peer review will be undertaken in early 2019 which may allow further efficiencies in the service to offset price increases in years 2 & 3.
Potential increase in income provided sales do not drop due to the minimal price increase.
Income to support the delivery of a Highland wide catering service, improving the health & wellbeing of children.
Current cost of a two course meal is:
Primary School £2.30
Secondary School £2.55
Thee are many unpalatable budget decisions today and this is just one of many that faced councillors with the serious consequences of lack of funding from government.
There could anticipated to be impact on lone parents (predominantly women) and disabled people who are more likely to be on low incomes however these groups are also more likely to be in receipt of free school meals so impact is likely to be minimal
To see the full range of cuts and changes in the budget go to -