School dinner prices could be cut in Powys

A review is being carried out into school meals prices, in the hope that they could change for the start of the next school year.

The Liberal Democrat-Green group on Powys Council called for the 15p rise introduced in last year's budget to be reduced, pointing out that it had actually led to a fall in revenue for the council because fewer people decided to have dinners.

And Cllr Phyl Davies, the authority's cabinet member for education and property, said he agreed with their stance.

“I support this call by the Powys Liberal Democrat – Green group," Mr Davies said.

“The fall in school meal uptake was identified early in our end-of-year financial outturn discussions and I requested that officers carried out an immediate review of the cost of school meals.

“This review is nearing completion and I’m hopeful that a new school meal pricing structure will be in place for the new school year.”

Lib Dem-Green group leader Cllr James Gibson-Watt added: “With many families facing increased financial hardship as a result of the pandemic it is vital that the council does all it can to support them.

"A cut in the cost of school meals will stimulate demand and will actually have the twin benefit of increasing revenue for the council and improving the health of children in Powys. I have therefore written to the council leader and the relevant portfolio holders and other opposition group leaders to propose an immediate reversal of the 15p increase in time for when school meals are again available to Powys pupils.”

Llandrindod South Lib Dem councillor Peter Roberts said the group had warned of the impact of the increase when the budget was agreed a year ago.

He added: “School meals are a vital source of good quality food for many of our pupils. In a bid to raise more money the cabinet ignored the warnings that many families couldn’t afford the increases and would desert the service."