Health Minister says continuing Meals on Wheels subsidy would be reckless

Thu, 23 Nov 2017

Health Minister Kate Beecroft MHK

The Island's Health Minister says continuing to subsidise the Meals on Wheels service would have been a waste of taxpayers' money.

The Department of Health and Social Care recently announced that it is cutting its support for Age Concern's Meals on Wheels deliveries, which around 300 Manx residents currently receive.

Speaking in this month's sitting of Tynwald, Kate Beecroft claims it would be reckless to continue using taxpayers' money to subsidise the service while other operators are providing similar meals for a comparable price.

The DHSC originally provided the subsidy when no other providers were in the marketplace, but insists there is now enough competition that the support isn't needed.

Those who currently receive meals from Age Concern are being given advice on finding another provider by the Department.