Meals on wheels charges are to rise, it was confirmed today.

Essex County councillors this morning supported a 5p increase in the cost of every meal delivered to the elderly and disabled.

The price hike will also affect the cost of meals served in day centres across the county. Main meals will now cost £1.40 with a 95p charge for breakfast and afternoon tea.

The new charges unanimously supported by councillors in the community care services committee will come into force on April 1.

There was a public outcry when Essex County Council tried to up the cost of meals on wheels by more than 70 per cent last year adding £1 to each meal.

Councillor Fred Card said today: "So long as we have to have a charge for meals on wheels I am glad that the council has at last seen common sense.

"This is a reasonable increase. I am glad that we are not having the £1 increase that the Labour and Liberal parties were so opposed to last year."

After a public campaign last year Essex County Council backed down and agreed to leave the cost of meals on wheels at £1.35 for the second year running.

The cost of the service is reviewed annually by the social services committee.

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