Telford council axes hot meal subsidy

The council says it has to find ways to make between £45 million and £50 million of savings by 2020 as its grant from the government is reduced further.

The authority says a very small number of people in Telford and Wrekin continue to receive the hot meal subsidy, equivalent to £2.65 per meal, which is now delivered by a private firm and replaced Meals on Wheels.

Since 2014, people receiving this subsidy have also paid for half the cost of the meal – £2.65 – themselves.

The council has now revealed it will end this subsidy from January and has contacted everyone who receives the subsidy to explain to them alternatives that are available, including continuing to receive hot meals from the current provider.

Councillor Arnold England, cabinet member for adult social care and older people, said: "Given the scale of cuts we face, as our government grant is cut further, we have to look at every area to make the savings we must find."

"This is felt perhaps most keenly in adult social care which accounts for around a third of the council's budget. Sadly, we simply can no longer provide many of the services we used to including this subsidy.

"Instead there are alternatives that groups in the community could provide to people who need a hot meal delivered and we are giving people information about this, while volunteer groups can help ensure that those who receive the subsidy can have regular contact with the community.

"We do not want to make these cuts but the budget challenge we now face means we have very little choice."