West Dunbartonshire school meals second most expensive in Scotland

Prices for school meals in both primary and secondary schools are 'concerning' local politicians.

Lauren Oxley, shadow education spokesperson for West Dunbartonshire SNP group, has called for more information on why the prices are so expensive amid high levels of child poverty in the area.

Primary one to five pupils are automatically entitled to free school meals across Scotland, but those not eligible currently pay £3.04 for their lunches at schools across the area.

The authority is only succeeded by North Lanarkshire whose prices are £3.25 for primary and £3.30 for secondary.

In comparison, Glasgow City Council charge almost half of this at £1.90 and Renfrewshire primary pupils pay £2.35 and secondary pupils pay £2.70.

Lauren Oxley, SNP councillor for Clydebank Waterfront Ward (Image: Newsquest) Councillor Oxley said: "It is concerning to hear that West Dunbartonshire has the second highest cost for school lunches in Scotland. 

"We have higher levels of child poverty and deprivation across the authority and I do have concerns about how the cost might be impacting families, especially those who might be just over the line to qualify for some social security payments. 

"I have raised this matter with the chief officer for educational services to ask for more information on why the costs are so high, and if it can be reviewed as soon as possible." 

Primary school menu for the year 2024/25 (Image: West Dunbartonshire Council) In West Dunbartonshire (WD), more than 7000 children are benefiting from the Scottish Child Payment (SCP).

Councillor James Bollan from the WD Community Party has also shared concerns over the level of local deprivation.

He said: "The very high charges for school meals in West Dunbartonshire, second highest in Scotland, are contributing to the scandalous levels of child poverty which means one in four local children are living below the poverty level."

A council spokesperson said: "Our healthy two-course meals are prepared freshly in schools each day and fully meet the Scottish Government’s nutritional requirements for food and drink in schools. The price charged for each meal is significantly lower than the cost of providing the service.

“Within West Dunbartonshire, 68 per cent of school meals are provided free of charge however uptake on entitlement for free school meals is as low as 35 per cent in some of our schools.

"Increasing this figure to ensure our families are accessing this support is a key focus for us in 2025/26.”