NEW figures show more than a thousand school children in Inverclyde 'owe' the council money for school meals.

Statistics also reveal that almost 40 per cent of local pupils were in receipt of free school meals at the last count.

Data released to the Telegraph under Freedom of Information laws shows that there were 1,319 children at local primaries and secondaries with school meal debt at the end of last year.

A council spokesperson told the Tele that the local authority takes a 'sensitive' approach to pursuing school meal debt and reiterated the council's commitment to tackling child poverty.

The steps taken to recover the cash vary depending on the amount owed, with amounts below £10 only resulting in a text message being sent out.

For amounts over £16, the child's parent is called, and when debt reaches more than £50 the council's debt recovery team is called in.

The total amount of cash currently owed is £22,245, which means the average amount owed is just over £16.

Inverclyde also has one of the country's highest rates of families who are entitled to free school meals.

The number of children in receipt of them across the area's primary and secondary schools is more than 3,700, with a total pupil population of around 9,400.

The local authority has spent over £18m since 2017 providing the meals, with 2020/21's £3.2m spend making it the costliest year yet.

An Inverclyde Council spokesperson said that the amount owed for school meals fluctuates regularly, and outlined the measures in place to support struggling families.

They added: “We are committed to tackling child poverty and supporting children and families as best we can and within the resources we have available, particularly during these challenging times.

“That’s why we have an enhanced universal school meals and clothing grant policy over and above the statutory minimum for those who are eligible.

“We also provide lunch payments to families when schools are off and provide support directly and through third sector partners for things like tackling food insecurity and accessing financial advice.

“The amount owed for school meals changes on a daily basis but we take a sensitive approach to pursuing outstanding amounts and try to signpost parents and carers to where they can get help.

“Advice about the help and support available and how to access that can be found on the council website.”