A COUNCIL has quashed concerns that a no-deal Brexit would be disastrous for school dinners.

At the end of January the Department for Education published guidance for schools in the event of a no-deal Brexit, which encouraged schools to use the 'flexibilities' in school food standards to cope with any issues.

Oxfordshire county councillor John Howson, an education expert, has now raised concerns after failing to gain confirmation from the authority that school meals will be protected.

He said: "Oxfordshire County Council stepped in when Carillion went bust to ensure the continuity of supply of meals - what will happen after Brexit?

"I recently asked for reassurance on the continuity of supply for school meals after Brexit, but council officers ducked my question at a recent briefing session.

"Parents need to know that school meals will be available after we leave the the EU."

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He also called on other agencies to confirm that they can continue to provide food and beverage services after Brexit, such as the food given to prisoners at HMP Bullingdon.

Government advice to schools stated: "The government will continue to work with food suppliers to prepare for a no deal departure from the EU.

"Schools have significant flexibilities within the school food standards.

"Local authorities and schools must exercise their power to provide meals to all registered pupils who request one."

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Charity the Soil Association also raised concerns about the impact of Brexit on school dinners, predicting increased cost of ingredients and disruption to food supply chains.

It has warned that hot meals could make way for cold sandwiches and salads, and the nutritional quality of meals could be diminished.

However, an Oxfordshire County Council spokesman said: "Problems are not anticipated as regards to school meals. The county council has business continuity plans around the delivery of all its services, including this one."