Cost of primary school meals to increase by 6%

The price hike comes into effect after the autumn half-term break

The price of lunchtime meals provided to primary school children on the Isle of Man is set to rise by 6% next month.

From 4 November, the lunches will increase by 15p a day from £2.40 to £2.55 after the autumn half-term break.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture (Desc) said the hike would not affect those eligible for free school meals at the island's 31 state schools.

Desc Minister Daphne Caine said an annual review had found the costs of producing the meals had "risen significantly" but they remained subsidised.

The department said the average cost of the providing each lunch was £4.54 on average when expenses for ingredients, kitchen staff and equipment maintenance where taken into consideration.

The latest increase will mean the price parents are charged for a school meal for their child each day on the island will have risen by more than 27% since 2013.

Mrs Caine said: "The decision follows an annual review, which found the costs of producing and serving primary school meals has risen significantly.

"I understand that parents may not welcome the increase, but even at the new price, the cost will not fully cover the cost of provision.”