SCHOOLS in Powys will be responsible for managing their own milk ordering and subsidy claims from October 1.

Powys County Council's (PCC) education department will not be managing the school milk subsidy scheme and is handing over responsibility to school headteachers and governing bodies.

This is also seen as a way for schools to become more environmentally friendly and they can request alternatives to plastic cartons and straws.

The move has been criticised by the opposition, Liberal Democrat - Green Group.

Group Leader Cllr James Gibson-Watt said: “The local education authority will no longer be making claims to the Rural Payments Agency for the school milk subsidy on behalf of the county’s primary schools.

“From next week onwards schools will have to administer the scheme and their own claims if they wish to continue providing free school milk for their pupils.

“At the next full council session, I will ask Cllr Myfanwy Alexander the Portfolio Holder for Learning  whether she has carried out a full impact assessment on the effect this choice will have on access to free milk for Powys kids.”

A spokesman for PCC stressed that the authority is "not leaving" the scheme and that the way it's managed is changing.

He said: "From October 1, primary schools will be responsible for managing their own milk ordering/grant claims.

"The county council has provided schools with guidance on approaching the National Procurement Service framework to access suppliers.

"The changes will give schools flexibility with supplies to request alternative to plastic cartons, reduce use of plastic straws or opt for larger size cartons to reduce overall plastic use."