Nottinghamshire County Council forced to increase council-supplied school meals prices due to living costs

Prices of council-supplied meals rise across the county due to major financial pressures.

The rising living costs including food, staff and energy, led to school meals supplied by Nottinghamshire County Council to go up by 40p.

From October 16 this year, prices will increase from £2.55 to £2.95.

“Rising inflation has a big impact on us all and we know it’s been a tough time for local families,” said councillor John Cottee, Nottinghamshire County Council’s cabinet member for communities.

He added: “High food and staff costs have caused major financial pressures for our catering service team, which we have taken into account when reviewing our school meal prices.

“Unfortunately, we have little option but to propose a moderate increase for schools."

It is down to the schools’ discretion whether they pass on this increase to parents and guardians.

Councillor Tracey Taylor, Nottinghamshire County Council’s cabinet member for children and families said:“While this is not a decision we have taken lightly, the increase compares favourably with other providers, and we continue to contribute towards the overall costs of providing the meals.

“The new price still represents very good value for these high quality, nutritionally balanced meals that we provide to schools for the children.

“We have contacted all of the schools we provide meals to since the beginning of the new term, this includes emails and letters, as well as speaking to the majority of schools via phone to ensure they are aware of these changes and can pass on this information to parents and guardians where relevant.”