William Eichler 03 May 2024

Council forced to close school meal service

Council forced to close school meal service  image
Image: Pinkyone / Shutterstock.com.

Cheshire East Council has been forced to close a council-run school meal service due to ‘significant budget pressures’.

Fresh, which provides lunches and snacks to 87 schools and employs about 270 people, has been operating at a loss in recent years and last year required a subsidy of over £500,000.

Cllr Carol Bulman, lead member for children and families, said there had been ‘increasing pressure’ on the council’s catering service budget due to food and transport inflation.

Pay rises have also impacted on running cost and staff recruitment and retainment.

‘Regrettably, like many other councils across the country, Cheshire East Council has decided to cease its school meals service by April 2025,’ Cllr Bulman said.

‘The council will continue to provide support to staff and schools to ensure a smooth transition to the new arrangements and to ensure minimum disruption to the service.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner