‘Extra cost is significant’ - South Shields charity has concerns over school meal price increase proposals
Concerns have been expressed by a charity after South Tyneside Council proposes to increase school meal prices.
A charity that aims to tackle poverty in the borough has raised concerns over South Tyneside Council’s proposal to raise paid-school meal prices.
Key Community, on Baring Street, in South Shields, has highlighted that some families could face “significant” extra costs due to the proposals.
If approved, it will be the third year running the cost of paid-for school meals has increased in South Tyneside.
Between 2018 and April 2025, paid-for school meals cost £2.20 per day as the Council froze the price due to the cost-of-living crisis.
The price rose to £2.50 in April 2025, £2.90 in April 2026 before a further 10p increase this year.
‘Additional expenses can be difficult to absorb’
Jo Benham Brown, the Deputy Chief Executive at Key Community, has highlighted that the price increase will further impact families who fall just outside of thresholds for benefits and free school meals.
She said: "Any increase in the cost of essential items such as school meals is likely to have the greatest impact on families who are already managing extremely tight budgets.
“Contrary to what some people may think, many of the families we support are in work.
“They are often earning just enough to fall outside the thresholds for benefits and free school meals yet still struggle to cover the rising cost of everyday essentials.
“If approved, the proposed increase would mean the cost of a school meal has risen by almost 60% since 2018.
“While we recognise that organisations face increasing costs too, for households that are already living month to month, additional expenses can be difficult to absorb.
“For a family with one child, that's around £247 more a year than in 2018.
“For families with two or three children, the extra cost is significant.
“Our concern is that those families who are just about managing financially are often the ones who feel the greatest pressure when essential costs continue to rise."
The Council’s Cabinet will meet on Wednesday, November 4, to consider the proposals that have been set out following the review of fees and charges.