The council’s decision to increase the price of the “critically valuable” meals on wheels service has been criticised by a forum dedicated to supporting the elderly.

During February’s virtual meeting of the North Ceredigion Forum for Older People’s Care, members discussed Ceredigion council’s plan to increase the cost of the county’s meals on wheels service from £7.20 to £7.50 from 1 April 2021.

Chairman of the forum and former Ceredigion MP Mark Williams criticised the service for its “excessive” price and also suggested that more residents should be eligible.

Members of the forum resolved to undertake research into the extent of the provision across Wales in other local authorities.

“Anecdotally, we know that the scale of the meals on wheels operation across Ceredigion has been reduced massively in recent years with residents encouraged to pursue commercial microwaveable options instead of a referral for a hot locally produced meal,” Mr Williams said.

“The meals provided locally are excellent, and the volunteers who deliver them, provide a critically valuable social service for which we should all be indebted.

“But it is our belief that many more residents should be eligible, and the unit price per meal is excessive.

“Back in 2014 when the council increased the price from £3.50 to £5, Age Cymru Ceredigion warned that elderly people faced the choice of paying for a warm meal or putting the heating on.

“In seven years the price has more than doubled!”

A spokesperson for Ceredigion County Council said: “Ceredigion County Council has considered the costs of Meals at Home as part of the annual review of fees and charges.

“The price for 2021/22 has been increased to match the costs of like-for-like provision from private providers within Ceredigion and includes the increased cost of food and also delivery charge.

“Residents who approach the council for support in meeting their care needs have an assessment. The outcome of this assessment will be a proportionate level of service to meet any assessed needs.

“Residents are supported to access local services and opportunities within their own communities in order to meet their wellbeing outcomes wherever possible.”