Merthyr Tydfil school meal prices frozen for current year

THE cost of school meals in Merthyr Tydfil will not be increased during the current financial year.

A meeting of the full County Borough Council has agreed to a price freeze for 2021/22 for the second year in a row.

The price was most recently increased in April 2019, by 20p, to £2.30 in primary schools and £2.70 in secondary schools.

Members heard that no rise was considered last year due to the pandemic and the anticipated interruption to the service delivery.

No school meals were provided during the summer term 2020, with a reduced menu offered when reintroduced in the autumn term.

Chief Officer for Learning Sue Walker said:

“Whilst schools hopefully settle down to some more normal services, and while we need to monitor the impact of any supplier price changes – either due to Brexit or the impact of the pandemic – it would not be the right time to consider a price increase.

“It was proposed – and agreed by members – that during this period of uncertainty the cost of school meals remain at current prices, with a further review as part of budget setting for the financial year 2022/23.”