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Government to end contract which supports the delivery of Meals on Wheels

Thursday, 2 November 2017

The Department of Health and Social Care has taken the difficult decision to end its contract with Age Concern Isle of Man, which supports the delivery of the Meals on Wheels service.

The contract costs around £150,000 per year.

Meals on Wheels is not operated by the government. The DHSC’s social services team refers those with a need for a home meal service to Age Concern Isle of Man, which has operated the service since 2008.

The Meals on Wheels service will not be changing immediately. Age Concern Isle of Man will continue to provide the service until 12 January 2018, and may choose to continue after that date.

There are options for meals to be delivered by alternative suppliers to all people currently in receipt of Meals on Wheels should Age Concern Isle of Man decide to cease the service. Everyone currently receiving meals – around 300 people in total – has today been contacted by the Department and assured they will be provided with support if they need it.

Commenting on the decision, Minister for Health and Social Care, Kate Beecroft MHK, said:

“It is regrettable that the Department is ending its contract with Age Concern Isle of Man.  At a time of significant financial pressure on the DHSC, we have a duty to the taxpayer and to customers to examine all of our costs and make every penny count.

“The situation is not ideal, but there are a number of providers of home-delivered ready-meals operating on the Island. The public has choice and different pricing options available to them.

“I want to make it absolutely clear that customers will be kept fully informed of the outcome of discussions with Age Concern Isle of Man and, if necessary, helped by the DHSC to find an alternative meals provider.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to Age Concern Isle of Man for its work with the Department and, despite this news, I hope that the DHSC will maintain its positive working relationship with this important charity.”

Anyone who has any queries or would like more information should contact Adult Social Care by telephoning +441624 686179.

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