Meat and dairy products could be back on the menu at council meetings and events now that Calderdale Reform are running Calderdale Council.

Two years ago, the then-Labour-run council hit the headlines when councillors agreed to introduce a plant-based only, vegan diet at such events – around 10 a year - including the mayor-making ceremony lunch at Halifax Town Hall.

It prompted a lot of debate and comments at full council, and even included some intervention from the National Farmers Union (NFU).

Then-NFU Vice-President Rachel Hallos, farming at Beeston Hall Farm in Ripponden, said sustainable meat and dairy products should also play a part in a healthy diet for people.

The vegan-only policy was introduced to offset effects councillors were told animal food products have on climate change.

Now Reform have taken over, the policy could soon be reversed, starting with discussion by councillors meeting on Monday, June 22.

The council’s Governance and Business Committee will be asked to adopt a “supporting the local economy” catering policy.

While vegan – and vegetarian – options will still be available, menus will be chosen more widely.

Their recommendation will then go to a meeting of the full council for more debate and a final decision to be made by councillors.

The option the committee councillors are recommended to choose is one which “will make an important contribution to a thriving local food system that will benefit the health and well-being of residents as well as local businesses”.

“It can be implemented without the need for complex guidance and enable Calderdale Council to lead by example in delivering social value,” says a report.

The other two options they have to choose from are to “do nothing” – continuing with a plant-based catering policy as agreed two years ago – or not to have a catering policy of any kind.

If councillors choose the recommended option, it will require council catering to comprise seasonal, healthy nutritionally-balanced food, with plant-based options always available.

All foods must be clearly labelled to ensure diners are aware of ingredients, potential allergens and vegetarian and plant-based options, according to the briefing paper from officers to councillors.

The proposes policy states it applies to catering which is paid for by council funds, and that catering provision of Calderdale Council-hosted meetings and events on council premises should be sourced from local businesses – those which are based in, and operate from, Calderdale, local commercial or social enterprises.

These should be prioritised over large-scale corporate sellers.

The council will also offer advice on preparing seasonal menus sourced locally, and asking suppliers to provide information about their supply chain, encouraging them to have local suppliers and source from local markets and farms.

The vegan-only policy proved controversial.

The council’s civic advisory panel in summer 2025 reported it was not suiting enough palates and a lot was going to waste.

That prompted Coun Scott Patient (Lab, Luddenden Foot) to urge people to “try it – you might like it”, urging the council should lead by example.

The council was trying to encourage people to think about their diet, to think about the impacts on local food systems and think about climate change and how food affects that in general, he had previously said.