The cost of catering at South Oxfordshire District Council's headquarters in Crowmarsh is set to rise by a third.

The catering contract was agreed a year ago -- on an annual fixed fee basis of just over £20,000 for three years.

But the contractors, Catering Alliance, want another £10,000 and the council's cabinet is being asked to approve the extra money.

The contract is in partnership with the hydraulics research establishment HR Wallingford, which is also being asked to pay extra.

The contractors said the rise was due to increased labour costs and lower than expected profits.

Council chief executive David Buckle said the contract would still be cheaper than the previous contract.

He said the firm's tender was the lowest received, and its fees, even with the £10,000 increase, were less than the £45,000 paid to the previous contractor.

Mr Buckle said funds were available and he would be advising cabinet to approve the extra money. The cabinet will discuss the issue on Thursday, January 9.