23 September 2023 , 16:43
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Tory-run areas charge parents £100 more a year for their children’s school meals than elsewhere in the country.
Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge last night blasted the findings as a “postcode lottery for feeding kids”. Our analysis shows the top five dearest counties for primary school meals are all controlled by the Conservatives. The most expensive is Derbyshire, which now charges £3.25 after hiking prices by 95p this year.
That compares with a national average of £2.65 per meal. And it means families are paying an additional £117 each year. Other pricey councils include Hertfordshire, charging £3.15, and Hampshire, at £3.00. Michelin-starred Tom, 50, who grew up on a council estate, said: “You can’t have a postcode lottery when it comes to feeding kids at school.
"This highlights that the system just doesn’t work. Where is the moral compass on this? The Government needs to do more to support those that need it. School meals should be free, full stop.” When contacted for comment, the Tory-led councils blamed inflation and a lack of Government funding.
Tom says school meals should be free (Getty Images/iStockphoto)But other authorities – including some with a Conservative majority – have limited school meal prices despite these financial pressures. In Labour-led Newcastle, the charge is well below the national average at £2.20. In Leeds it is £2.50. Other councils have outsourced catering services.
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In Tory East Sussex, which uses contractor Chartwells, the price is £2.85 per meal for primary schools. Anita Brown, chair of the Local Authorities Caters Association, said: “With many families facing financial strains it is more important than ever to ensure that every child has access to healthy, nutritious and hot school lunches.”