EVERYONE understands the principle of austerity.

Not everyone agrees on how to deal with it but, by and large, everyone understands the country has to balance the books.

For the past five years, belts have been tightened to the point of abdominal strangulation.

But still it is not enough.

Now Essex County Council has voted to close the Colchester Meals on Wheels depot because of the rising costs of the contract.

About nine out of ten people using the service will still get their meals – but what about the other one in ten?

Provision will be made, we are assured, and there are a variety of options.

Essex County Council leader David Finch even goes so far to say the decision has been taken to improve the service – which is a little disingenuous or a sad confession about the current state of the service.

Of course, frozen food is an option, but not a very good one. Promises carers will be allocated time to ensure the food is fully heated through are pretty unconvincing.

The prospect of vulnerable elderly residents not receiving good nourishment is appalling.

They become ill quickly and, inevitably, some will be admitted to hospital.

The cost of their care will quickly accelerate from a few quid for a meal to hundreds of pounds a day.

Yet again, by robbing Peter we are paying Paul.

Sometimes, it is hard to understand austerity.