Bristol’s Meals on Wheels service may see a 15% fee increase due to new budget proposals
Bristol: The city is buzzing with talk about a potential 15% fee hike for Meals on Wheels. This comes from some pretty tough budget proposals by the city council. They’re also looking at how adult social care services are run, which might mean some services could be handed over to private companies.
Labour party members are not happy about these plans. They’re set to be discussed at a finance meeting on January 15. Cllr Kelvin Blake, who’s part of the adult social care policy committee, called it one of the cruelest cuts proposed by the Green party. He’s worried that many elderly residents won’t be able to afford this increase.
He pointed out that Meals on Wheels is more than just food; it’s a friendly visit for those who might be feeling lonely. His own mum worked in the service for years, so he knows how important it is. If people can’t pay, they might skip meals, which could lead to bigger problems down the line.
There’s also concern about outsourcing these services. Cllr Blake fears that if a private company takes over, prices could go up even more, and workers might not get fair pay. The council has been subsidizing the Community Meals service for a long time, but costs are rising due to staff wages and other expenses.
The council is hoping to save around £100,000 by increasing fees, but they’ll still be subsidizing the service. They’re also looking at ways to save money in other areas, like reducing black bin collection frequency and cutting down on housing budget expenses.
With all these changes, the council is trying to balance the budget while ensuring that vulnerable residents still get the care they need. They’re planning to involve staff and families in discussions about any changes to services. It’s a tough situation, and everyone’s hoping for the best outcome.
