00:00North Tyneside Council is being urged to bring school meals back in-house after the GMB union
00:06raised concerns about quality and prices. The council ended its school catering service in
00:12March 2024 after declining uptake and a reported annual shortfall of approximately £3 million.
00:20Schools now arrange their own catering, with some using private providers.
00:24The GMB says meals have become more expensive and quality has fallen as a result.
00:30The union wants the council to take the service back in-house.
00:33The council says financial pressure has made the change necessary.
00:37It says it continues working with schools to support healthy eating and nutritious meals for pupils.
