Agenda and draft minutes

None.

The report will provide feedback to the Cabinet Member on the current

operational and financial viability of the in-house catering/school meals

service and set out options with recommendations on the way forward.

The Cabinet member noted that a clear trend had developed in recent years with schools opting out of using the Council’s catering service provision, which negatively impacted on the overall cost of the service year on-year. In the last 12 months 17 schools had left the Council’s school catering provision, as the external market further developed. As more schools left the Council’s school meal service the cost per meal has increased and this has created an unsustainable revenue pressure against the Council’s budget.

A report was tabled which outlined the current operational and financial viability of the in-house catering/school meals service. The report asked for Cabinet Member approval to a number of recommendations on the way forward, including an in principle decision of cessation of the in-house service from April 2016 and school governing bodies, trade unions and staff being consulted on alternative options.

RESOLVED

I). That approval for the in-house Catering School Meals Service ceasing by April 2016 be given; and

II). Approval be given for Direct Services to consult with school governing bodies, trade unions and staff on alternative options, being 4.2 of this report described as “To procure an external provider from an established framework to provide a quality school meal service to all remaining schools, 4.3 described as “Schools directly deliver” and 4.4 described as  “Service delivered via  a neighbouring authority”

III). That the Cabinet Member for Children and Families agree to the Chief Operating Officer being authorised, in consultation with the Director of Children’s Services and the Cabinet Member for Children and Families, to reach a final decision on these proposals having regard to the outcome of the consultation.

IV). That the Cabinet Member for Children and Families agree to the projected budget overspends arising from the Service of £129k in 2014/15 and £397k in 15/16 being treated as agreed overspends for the purposes of in-year monitoring, and to permanent budget adjustments being incorporated in the 16/17 MTFP process.

To consider any items of Urgent Business admitted under Item 1 above.

None.