FAMILIES may soon face a significant increase in costs for their children to attend breakfast clubs at primary schools in Monmouthshire. The county council’s draft budget has proposed doubling the current charge of £1 per day to £2 per day, potentially adding up to £360 per year for one child. The proposed increase aims to generate an extra £70,000 in income for the council but has sparked concerns about the financial burden on families, particularly those with multiple children attending primary school. The charge is separate from the free breakfast provided to all primary age children under the Welsh Government’s policy. However, a charge can be imposed for the childcare element of attending the clubs held before the official start of the school day.
Councillor Richard John, leader of the Conservative opposition group on Monmouthshire County Council, warned that the increased cost could become prohibitive for families. He stated, A doubling of the cost of school breakfast clubs to £2 per day is £360 a year per child… For a family with multiple children, this could be really expensive.
The proposed increase forms part of the council’s efforts to address an £8.4 million deficit and implement savings in the upcoming financial year. However, it has also acknowledged that the charge will have a negative socio-economic impact, disproportionately affecting children and impacting national well-being goals.
Notably, pupils entitled to free school meals will be exempted from the proposed £2 charge. Last year, the council attempted to introduce increased charges by maintaining the £1 charge for the first child in a family and doubling it to £2 for subsequent children. However, this plan was deemed unworkable and subsequently abandoned.
In addition to the potential increase in breakfast club charges, the draft budget includes measures such as the removal of a £39,000 grant for Gwent Music, a 10% increase in concessionary school transport charges, a £70,000 reduction for the Outdoor Education Centre in Gilwern, and a decrease in real terms funding for schools.
Councillor Ben Callard, the Labour cabinet member for finance, justified these changes by citing increased costs and limited funding from the Welsh Government. He emphasized the council’s attempts to make up the shortfall through changes to services, increased income generation, and a 7.5% increase in council tax.
Despite these budgetary challenges, the council has pledged continued support for affected families and communities through measures such as providing advice, practical assistance, mental health support, and welfare advice.
The draft budget has raised concerns among council members, with Frances Taylor, leader of the council’s independent group, describing it as presenting a very concerning picture in terms of the pressure on school budgets and pressures in social care.
Overall, the proposed price increase for attending breakfast clubs in Monmouthshire has drawn attention to the financial strains faced by families and the socio-economic impact it may have on children. As the council finalizes its budget, it will need to carefully consider the potential consequences for families and seek alternative solutions to address its deficit while prioritizing the well-being of its residents.
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