Primary schools across Powys will be in charge of supplying free milk to their pupils from the start of next week.
Powys County Council is passing the responsibility on to schools as it is withdrawing from the Welsh government’s School Milk Subsidy Scheme, which subsidises the cost of milk and other dairy products for schoolchildren, from Monday.
Schools are still eligible for the scheme but they will have to apply for the scheme and make their own milk orders without going through the county council.
It is hoped that the changes by the council will give schools “flexibility” with supplies including the ability to request more eco-friendly alternatives to plastic straws and cartons.
The leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats James Gibson-Watt is concerned about the move which he said could result in some school pupils losing access to free milk.
In a statement on Monday, Cllr Gibson-Watt said: “The Local Education Authority will no longer be making claims to the Rural Payments Agency for the school milk subsidy on behalf of the county’s primary schools.
“From next week onwards schools will have to administer the scheme and their own claims if they wish to continue providing free school milk for their pupils.
“At the next full council session, I will ask the portfolio holder for learning and Welsh Language Myfanwy Alexander whether she has carried out a full impact assessment on the effect this choice will have on access to free milk for Powys kids.”
However a spokesman from the county council has said that the council is providing schools with guidance as they approach next week.
He said: “The county council has provided schools with guidance on approaching the National Procurement Service framework to access suppliers.
“The changes will give schools flexibility with supplies to request alternative to plastic cartons, reduce use of plastic straws or opt for larger size cartons to reduce overall plastic use.”