Meat back on the menu after Reform set to reverse council's vegan policy

A council's controversial vegan-only catering policy for staff functions could soon be scrapped after Reform UK's victory over Labour in last month's local elections.

Calderdale Council, in West Yorkshire, adopted the meat-free approach two years ago - banning all meat and dairy products from council premises during meetings and events.

However, meat may return to the menu under new Reform leadership, with the governance and business committee to consider a fresh approach in "supporting the local economy" when councillors meet on June 22.

Their recommendation will then be debated by the full council for a final decision on whether to scrap the policy, which had aimed to reduce the environmental impact associated with animal products.

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Many criticised the switch to plant-based catering, with reports that a "large amount" of food was being thrown away.

Additionally, feedback at a Civic Advisory Panel indicated the vegan menu failed to appeal to all tastes.

Deputy leader Scott Patient defended the approach, urging people to "try it, you might like it", arguing the council should set an example by promoting locally grown fruit and vegetables.

However, Rachel Hallos, former NFU vice-president who farms near Ripponden, insisted sustainably produced meat and dairy "deserve a place in balanced nutrition".

Under the proposed new policy, council catering would feature seasonal, nutritionally-balanced meals, while ensuring vegan choices remain available for all at all times.

The 2024 decision to introduce vegan-only catering was initially described as "hugely symbolic", with Conservative Group leader Steven Leigh MBE saying at the time he agreed with the "general intention" of the move, but that the implementation was "dictatorial".

"It's a unilateral decision to impose on people who attend the council some food that maybe isn't in keeping with what they want to eat or like to eat", he said.

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat councillor Ashley Evans said: "I don't think the policy is necessary, I think it's making a statement."

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However, Green councillor Elaine Hey described the policy as "a significant act of climate leadership".

Calderdale Council had committed to achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions in the borough by 2038, launching a climate change emergency policy in 2020.

Councillor Patient originally acknowledged the impact of the policy on the council's carbon footprint would be "hard to measure", but it was "more of a statement of intention and a show of leadership".

With some six events a year, the council backed the approach on grounds of financial benefits, with a vegan buffet organised for the new mayor in 2024 having "saved a fairly significant amount of money".

When the governance and business committee convenes later this month, members will decide to adopt the new approach, maintain the existing vegan-only rules, or abandon formal catering guidelines altogether.

Members will then hold a further debate at full council, with Reform UK acting as the majority party holding 34 of the 54 council seats.

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