The cost of school meals in Salford is to remain at the same level as for the last two years after the city council’s cabinet agreed to rescind a planned 10p rise. A hike in the price was due to take effect on January 4 but a ‘better-than- expected’ revenue settlement from central government has prompted the controlling Labour group to ditch the rise.
Citywide, which provides school meals across Salford, has increased its charge for the service by £70,000, which initially prompted the decision for the increase last July. But the 10p increase per meal will now be funded by the city council.
Coun Sharmina August, lead member for inclusive economy, anti-poverty and equalities, told the cabinet meeting: “I’m really pleased we’ve been able to do this. We took the difficult decision to make the increase and we’ve been to avert it due to a better-than-expected settlement from the government.”
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She said she was ‘very wary’ of schools out-sourcing school meal services to private providers. Executive member for education and learning Coun Teresa Pepper echoed her sentiments by saying: “We are subsiding this [school meals] very heavily. We are able to give children in schools a nutritious meal.”
City mayor Paul Dennett added: “It’s fair to acknowledge that we are able to do this as a consequence of a provisional and final local government settlement being better than anticipated. We’ve found ourselves in a better position.
“I think it’s right and proper to do this - to tackle food poverty.”
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