School canteens across Aberdeenshire will be upgraded as the council embarks on a £7million spending spree to cope with demand for free meals.
Last week, the local authority revealed how it intends to balance the books over the next 12 months in its annual budget.
The Press & Journal says a number of drastic measures have been outlined to make savings and plug a £66.8million hole in next year’s budget, as well as future investment in services.
And millions of pounds-worth of government cash has been earmarked for a range of improvements to dining areas in schools.
Aberdeenshire director of education and children’s services Laurence Findlay said the move would be required to accommodate for more pupils getting free lunches.
The Scottish Government has promised that all primary pupils will begin receiving free school meals by 2025, extending its programme to all primary six and seven pupils as well.
Free school meals
As of now, only primary one to five are universally eligible for free school meals.
Older pupils must meet income criteria to register and receive this type of support.
While local authorities are still waiting on a clearer timeline when the scheme will come into force, Aberdeenshire Council is already preparing for the rise in uptake.
The £7million – part of nearly £22million of funding from Scottish Government – would be used to expand or modify canteens, and buying additional kitchen equipment.
This is expected to make more space for hungry pupils queueing up for snacks and ease the pressure on services.
Along with the cash boost, several cuts to education services have been drafted in the papers – although council leader Mark Findlater said those have been “kept to a minimum”.
Deputy heads
In an effort to manage its finances amid “increased pressure”, the local authority plans to save £646,000 from cutting down on deputy head teachers.
Another £287,000 will also come from the discontinuation of award-winning school projects Peterdeen and Fraserdeen, which currently offer additional courses to pupils.
Funding for training staff at primary and secondary schools could also be slashed in half – if approved by councillors – to add further £170,000 in savings.
Stressing this has been the “toughest budget” so far, council leader Mr Findlater told the P&J they believe the proposals are “responsible, measured and considered”.
He added: “There have been tough decision we’ve had to make, but we’re prepared as well and remain risk-aware to keep us at a steady approach with it all.
“We’ve had 15 years of underfunding from the Scottish Government, but there are proposals for consideration which are deliverable.
Change
“Residents are going to see change, but what we have tabled is a responsible and measured budget that will help us build for the future.”
Aberdeenshire Council meets to agree its budget on Thursday.