Majority face hike in 'lifeline' meals on wheels charge as rate is standardised

A PRICE hike for most meals on wheels customers in Caerphilly has moved a step closer.

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A county borough council committee agreed, on April 22, to endorse proposals for a flat rate of £6.89 for a daily main meal and dessert.

Caerphilly County Borough Council currently operates a two-tier pricing system for the subsidised service.

Most residents (79%) who are signed up to Meals Direct were referred by social services, and pay a lower daily rate of £4.18, while others who joined the scheme themselves, or via a relative - pay the higher fee of £6.89 each day.

The council has proposed removing the lower rate as the "first stage in making Meals Direct a sustainable service", in line with a cabinet U-turn on axing the scheme last year.