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DHSC cuts Meals on Wheels service

Fri, 03 Nov 2017

The Department of Health and Social Care is ending its contract with a local charity to supply Meals on Wheels to around 300 Manx residents.

Health Minister Kate Beecroft described the move as regrettable, but insists her Department has a duty to the taxpayer to examine all costs.

The cuts follow the DHSC's announcement that it's suspending non-frontline recruitment and plans to end free prescriptions for pensioners under the age of 75 and those with chronic illnesses.

Mrs Beecroft adds that while the situation isn't ideal, but that there are a number of providers operating home-delivered meals with different pricing options.

The Department's budgeting has been under scrutiny after it had to ask Tynwald for additional funding in the last two financial years.

The contract costs around £150,000 per year, and will cease on January 12th next year.

The Department will be in touch with those that currently receive the meals, including helping them find an alternative meals provider.

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