Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to ensure that the delivery of school meals is not affected by Carillion entering liquidation.

Local authorities and academy trusts are responsible for their contracts. Information available to the Department indicates that the number of local authority (LA) and academy trust schools covered by catering, facilities management or other service with Carillion is relatively low. The Department, LAs and other bodies have a small number of contracts with Carillion for school building works. We have worked with LAs and academy trusts to make sure they have robust contingency plans in place and that these have been actioned, where required.

Our priority is to ensure schools can continue to operate as usual. Government is supporting the Official Receiver, so that services to schools, such as school meal provision, can continue to be delivered.

We are continuing to monitor the situation and will work with schools and providers to help minimise any disruption for pupils.