Sandwell school meals prices rise

The price of school meals in Sandwell is set to rise for the second consecutive year, it has emerged.

The hike means a family with two children face paying an extra £80 per year than they did two years ago - and bosses have warned the cost will increase again next year.

Sandwell Council says the rise of 50p per child, per week, is unavoidable due to the increasing cost of ingredients. The rise mirrors an identical increase imposed 12 months ago.

A report to education chief Brian Aldridge says: "Based on the number of meals served in 2010/11, a 10p price increase per meal is required for the service to break even. A further increase will be required from September 2012 once the once the final element of subsidy is removed."

The rise, which is due to come into force on August 1, will affect the 11,000 pupils.

If the increases are agreed by councillors next week, primary school meals including a drink will increase from £1.80 to £1.90 a day. Secondary and adult meals including a drink will go up from £1.85 to £1.95.

Council bosses say they believe increasing the price will not put parents off their child eating school meals.

Bosses argue the charges will put Sandwell roughly in line with neighbouring authorities. The plan will be debated by councillors next Thursday.