Vulnerable pensioners and low-income workers in Caerphilly borough are pleading with the local council to reconsider its plan to discontinue the Meals Direct service in a bid to reduce costs. Caerphilly County Borough Council recently proposed cutting the Meals Direct service, which involves delivering meals to the elderly, by November and outsourcing it to an external provider. The council, facing financial strains, is also considering mothballing other services to improve its financial situation, aiming to save around £45m over the next two years. Among the affected services is the meals on wheels programme, which costs £444,000 to operate annually and provides essential support to residents in one of the most deprived areas in Wales.
The Meals Direct service is a crucial lifeline for many residents, including pensioners who are housebound and rely on the daily deliveries that cost between £5 and £6 per meal. Around 320 individuals in the borough receive approximately 125,000 meals annually through the programme. The service not only ensures access to nutritious meals but also provides a social connection for those who may otherwise be isolated. Workers within the Meals Direct service emphasise the significance of the daily visits, which go beyond just delivering meals but also checking on the well-being of the beneficiaries.
Eighty-seven-year-old Margaret Rees, a retired nurse living in Penybryn, relies on the service due to her limited mobility. She describes the service as a crucial support system, providing her with daily contact and essential meals. Similarly, 83-year-old Fred Jinks and 85-year-old Norman Evans, who also benefit from the service, share their concerns about potential disruptions and increased costs if the meals were to be outsourced.
UNISON Caerphilly County branch secretary Lianne Dallimore expresses distress at the potential closure of the service, highlighting the impact on vulnerable individuals and the loss of jobs for the dedicated staff. Councillor Sean Morgan acknowledges the need for changes in service delivery to address the council’s financial challenges and invites community engagement in the decision-making process.
The proposed cut to the Meals Direct service has sparked outrage among residents and advocates who are urging the council to reconsider the decision. As discussions continue around cost-saving measures, the fate of this vital service hangs in the balance, leaving many vulnerable individuals and dedicated workers in uncertain circumstances.