THE price of school meals across Wrexham is set to increase after the council says they are unable to fully absorb the 'massive cost increases'. 

Secondary school meal prices have been unchanged since September 2019, but due to the current cost of living crisis and inflation rates, that is set to change. 

Wrexham Council has confirmed that the price of meals across schools in the area will rise from £2.45 to £2.65. 

The Maelor School, Penley is the only school in the area not changing its prices. 

The council also said that other menu items will also be subject to equivalent increases.

Cllr Phil Wynn, lead member for education, said: “Secondary school meal prices have remained unchanged since September 2019 when they increased from £2.40 to £2.45. In contrast, food prices in the UK are up 26% compared with their pre-Covid levels, while prices of everyday items such as potatoes, eggs, milk, bread and cheese have increased by up to 39% in the last 12 months.  

“Unfortunately we can no longer afford to fully absorb these massive cost increases. By keeping this price increase below inflation we have tried to protect pupils and parents against the full impact of rising food costs.

"The 'meal of the day' option still offers good value for money and even after this increase, the price of a secondary school meal in Wrexham remains in line with those of other local authorities in north Wales.

"However, if you are struggling to meet your household costs, please visit Wrexham Council’s ‘help with the cost of living’ pages for advice on any other help you may be able to access.‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​”

Changes are also set to be made to morning play sessions in primary schools in Wrexham. 

Many primary schools in the borough offer a free breakfast during a session before the start of school.

MOST READ

However, to supplement the free breakfast session, many schools offer an additional 30-minute play session and charge parents £1 per child (free to children who are eligible for free school meals).

While this rate has remained unchanged since the provision was introduced in 2018, the council says that 'due to increased staffing and administrative costs, and the fact that the council receives no external funding, this is no longer sustainable'.

The price of the session will increase to £2 per child (50p for children who are eligible for free school meals) from September 1, 2023.

The authority encouraged those struggling to meet household costs to seek support on their website.