The cost of school meals for primary and special schools has been frozen again in Gwynedd.

The council’s Cabinet decided to maintain the freeze at a meeting on Tuesday meaning the price of a daily lunch remains £2.50, rather than an inflationary increase to £2.55.

Concerns had been raised previously that increased costs were a contributing factor for many deciding to take their own packed lunches.

A 2019 Cabinet report found that a decision in 2017 to hike the daily cost had achieved less savings than they’d hoped due to several families moving away from school meals as a result.

Subsequent figures showed that an average of 46 per cent of Gwynedd primary pupils were choosing a school meal, down from 50 per cent in 2016/17.

Despite the below inflation price freeze – which will result in a deficit of £22,890 for the education department – it still means the £2.50 daily cost of school meals in Gwynedd’s primary schools is more expensive than 13 of Wales’ 22 authorities and cheaper than only four.

Speaking during the debate, Cllr Catrin Wager said: “I’m pleased to support the recommendation. Many families have faced tough times and I think it’s our role to keep the price of school meals as affordable as we can.

“I’m aware there are many families that are struggling while falling short of the free schools meals threshold.”

The proposal was unanimously backed.