Shropshire’s Meals on Wheels service should be spared from a £200,000 cut until its impact on people who use the service has been investigated.

It is feared any cut in the budget could see a reduced service for many vulnerable people who are currently provided with meals.

Under Shropshire Council’s budget strategy for the coming financial year, it is said that £150,000 service savings could be achieved through the “renegotiation” of contracts with providers.

And a further £50,000 saving could be achieved through “properly targeting” the service to ensure people have been assessed and provided with “appropriate services that meet their eligible needs”.

The Liberal Democrat opposition is calling for the plans to be put on hold until a service review is complete and the impact of the proposed savings examined by council watchdogs next month.

Nigel Hartin, Lib Dem leader, said today that the council had resources available which would cover the £200,000 savings until the matter had been examined.

“I don’t think enough thought has been given to the proposals,” said Mr Hartin.

Lib Dem member for Bishop’s Castle, Peter Phillips, has raised the issue with Simon Jones, cabinet member for adult care.

“There are rumours locally that this huge saving is to be achieved by no longer taking out meals more than once two or three times a week but by the introduction of mass purchasing of frozen meals which may only be delivered once a week or a fortnight,” says Councillor Phillips.

“I am sure you realise that the social visits provided by Meals on Wheels – by volunteers incidentally – are a valuable social service in terms of looking after the elderly people who receive the service.”

Val Beint, director of community services, said: “We acknowledge that Meals on Wheels is a valued service and are carefully considering whether increasing the charges would be a viable option or not.

“The review of the Meals on Wheels service was one of many options being considered as part of the budget consultation and we are listening to people’s views. However, no final decisions have yet been made.”

By Dave Morris