Issue - meetings

(i)       in response to a question from Councillor Graham regarding the low figure presented in relation to free school meals taken within specialist schools and why the figure differed significantly from other local authorities, to note that the Facilities Manager would provide a response by email to the Committee;

(ii)      to note the responses provided to questions from members; and

(iii)      to otherwise endorse the recommendations for improvement as agreed by the relevant function.

The Committee had before it a report by the Chief Internal Auditor which presented an audit in relation to School Catering Income and Expenditure which was undertaken to provide assurance over income and procurement expenditure relating to school catering operations.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee review, discuss and comment on the issues raised within the report and the attached appendix.

In response to a question regarding the cost of teacher and kitchen staff meals compared to those for children, the Chief Officer - Customer Experience advised that the meals for adults were the same price with VAT added.

In response to a question regarding the cashless catering system contract and the risk  to the Council, the Chief Officer – Customer Experience advised that she was working with colleagues in Commercial and Procurement Services to procure a new system and that there was a contract in place with the existing provider therefore any risks to the council were being managed.

In response to a question regarding the accurate figures for children entitled to free school meals and how this was monitored, the Chief Officer – Customer Experience advised that checks were made by the Revenue and Benefits team to ensure the entitlement to free school meals was applied and monitored.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)       that Officers circulate by email details regarding the low figure presented in relation to free school meals taken within specialist schools explaining why the figure differed significantly from other local authorities;

(ii)      to note the responses provided to questions from members; and

(iii)      to otherwise endorse the recommendations for improvement as agreed by the relevant function.