Cost of Dudley school meals is set to rise by 10p

Council bosses have been forced to look at increasing the price of school meals in Dudley because of the rising costs of food, labour and fuel bills, the borough's education chief said today.

moreFrom April 24 the price charged for a meal in all primary and special schools across the borough could increase by 10p – from £1.90 to £2.

While the cost of individually priced food items in primary and secondary schools will also rise under proposals due to be considered next week.

Cabinet member for children's services and lifelong learning Councillor Tim Crumpton said: "Food prices are going up everyone knows that so we have little choice but to increase the price of school meals," he said.

"However what we have tried to do is limit the increase as much as possible.

"The last thing we want to do is price children and their families out of having a school meal.

"It is unfortunate we have to raise prices but there is little choice."

The price of an adult meal will also go up from £3 to £3.15 as part of the move.

The increase will bring in an estimated £200,000 per annum which the authority says will help it cover the costs involves.

Councillor Crumpton said the amount being asked for was in line with charges by other councils. The increase is based on a 5.2 per cent rise, which includes inflation to cover increases in food and overheads,and an element to contribute towards recouping true labour costs.

Prices charged for school meals are reviewed annually and are increased in line with inflation.

Schools have delegated budgets and they have the option to implement their own pricing structure if they wish.

Sandwell Council, Birmingham City Council and Wolverhampton Council currently charge £2 for school meals. Solihull Council charges £1.90 and Staffordshire Council £2.10.

Meal uptake in 2012/13 saw a one per cent increase and the authority said the year to date has maintained those numbers.

Last month, Dudley Council approved plans to increase fees for schoolchildren to attend the Astley Burf Outdoor Centre, near Stourport. Fees will rise from £103 to £105 per week. A four-day visit will rise from £83 to £85. The activity week fee will be £270 per school, per visit.