External provider to deliver city school meals

A council has said it is seeking to end its in-house catering service to schools, as high inflation "means that external providers can offer schools better value for money".

An independent review found meal prices would have needed to rise by more than a third to break even, Stoke-on-Trent City Council said.

The authority has identified Chartwells as preferred provider for schools that wish to take up the offer, after engaging with operators through a competitive process.

It was anticipated staff would move either to Chartwells "where contracts are retained, or to another operator if the schools decide to choose an alternative new operator", the council added.

Schools and academy trusts are free to select their own supplier, and the existing service has been losing custom.

The council was following several authorities across the UK that have taken similar decisions in response to "rising costs and a more competitive market", it said.

Cabinet member for finance, anti-poverty and corporate services Sarah Hill said: "City Catering has served our schools well for many years, but rising costs and stronger competition mean it is no longer possible to run the service without significant subsidies.

"Schools and academy trusts can choose their own provider, and City Catering has been losing work as we have struggled to keep prices down."

She added moving to an external provider would give schools better value for money.

"We will support schools and staff throughout this process to make sure the transition is safe, steady and focused on what matters most - good meals for children."

Chartwells provides millions of meals nationwide, said the council, which will work with schools and the company to agree next steps and "ensure continuity of service".

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