Carmarthenshire Council is set to revamp its school catering service, which is currently over budget and grappling with high sickness absence rates. The local authority has initiated an exploration of alternative models for providing school meals, including the creation of a local authority trading company that can operate commercially.
Alternative Models Under Consideration
A report presented to a council scrutiny committee revealed that catering officials have examined two successful trading companies in Flintshire and the Vale of Glamorgan. Other options being assessed include commissioning an external contractor or improving the existing in-house model.
The report emphasized that further analysis is required regarding financial, staffing, and operational implications. Discussions will be held with schools, catering staff, and trade unions. It stated, "This work has provided a strong evidence base and a clear understanding of the scale of change required."
Timeline for Decision and Implementation
A decision on the preferred operating model is expected by winter this year, with changes to be implemented in the 2027-28 period. The report noted that the ongoing work has reached a critical stage, adding, "The scale of financial and workforce challenges means that maintaining the current model is unlikely to be sustainable in the medium to long term."
Financial Pressures and Sickness Absence
The council currently provides a subsidy to cover catering costs, which exceed the budget by approximately £500,000 annually. This overspend is attributed to structural cost pressures, including staffing costs, low margins on meals, and limited flexibility to generate additional income under the current in-house model.
High sickness absence levels are straining the service both financially and operationally, while recruitment and retention remain challenging. The catering service must also comply with Welsh Government food and nutrition standards and align with the council's food strategy, which prioritizes locally-sourced produce and health outcomes.
Integration with School Reorganisation
Any future catering model will need to fit within the council's broader school reorganisation programme. The report assured that the impact on pupils and staff would be carefully assessed.
Members of the education, young people, and Welsh language scrutiny committee will receive further details on the catering review during a meeting scheduled for June 23.
