The cost of pensioners' lunches at day centres in Basildon is set to increase by 40p to £2.
Angry - pensioner Derek West makes his point. Picture: LUAN MARSHALL 7ZJN31
Members of Basildon Council's community policy panel, who agreed the price hike, are also considering introducing new meals.
Pensioners were concerned there would be a price rise and believed hot meals were going to be stopped - meaning they would pay extra for sub-standard meals.
However, chiefs on the community panel say they have a firm commitment to provide hot meals and vow to keep them running.
Council bosses insist the price rises are in line with Essex County Council policy.
The news comes after the committee lost its contract to the Women's Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) when Essex County Council approved a tender, taking control away from Basildon Council.
A spokesman for Essex County Council said: "There was a clear tendering document with a set of criteria for people to bid against. The results were evaluated on quality and cost, and WRVS came out best."
Published Monday, March 11, 2002
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