Meals report due

Earlier this year, a storm of protest greeted the council's proposal to axe the service which delivers subsidised meals to elderly people in the city. The authority felt it had ceased to be a mainstream service and the number of recipients had steadily dwindled.

But opposition was "much stronger than anticipated", says Brian Jones, the health, social care and wellbeing strategy manager, in a report to the adult and housing services scrutiny forum.

Meals are prepared by council staff and then delivered by WRVS volunteers who were outraged at the decision to close the service to people who they regard as friends as well as clients.

Many of those who received the meals, including members of local luncheon clubs, also expressed their dismay to the Argus.

As the controversy mounted, it was decided to carry out a review looking at the service currently being provided and alternative methods of meeting the need.

A full list of options was not yet completed as the work was still under way but a short presentation of possible ways forward may be made at tomorrow's meeting.

Joyce Steven, chief financial officer, comments in the report on the reduction in the number of meals being provided. This, despite savings in expenditure over the years, does mean the subsidy per meal has been rising.

"The review needs to consider the appropriate service for these vulnerable clients that takes account of the benefits and the costs." Letters were sent to various bodies, such as Age Concern Gwent and Newport Older People's Forum, asking for their views.

Councillors have also said they want to hear the public's views on the issue.

And the city's most vulnerable residents are urging Argus readers to put pen to paper and back what they call an "essential lifeline".

Send your comments to: Lisa Stevens, Meals on Wheels, South Wales Argus, Cardiff Road, Newport NP20 3QN or email lisa.stevens@gwent-wales.co.uk We will then pass your comments to the council.