Prices will rise if meals on wheels are privatised

1.02.00am GMT Mon 6th Nov 2006

Cllr. David Garlick

Liberal Democrat County Councillor David Garlick (Headlands) has warned that if the County Council decides at the Cabinet Meeting on 13th November to privatise the Meals on Wheels service, then the costs of the meals will increase considerably.

Councillor David Garlick said: "This will mean that meals end up costing a lot more, up to £4 or possibly more, which would be an increase of well over 50 per cent. This will hit some people very badly. It could be that some pensioners may not be able to afford them"

"I'm alarmed that some elderly people who need these meals will not pay that amount of money leaving them at significant risk of ill health from an inadequate diet."

"It could cost an additional £40 a month, an enormous amount for poorer pensioners."

"I recognise that the current system is in need of change, however when we are looking at services to the elderly and vulnerable any changes needed must put their interests first before County Council budget cuts.

Across Northamptonshire, around 1,200 people currently receive Meals on Wheels.

The present charge is £2-68.