Pensioners in the Black Country and Staffordshire were dealt a blow today as it emerged subsidies for one meals on wheels service are set to be drawn withdrawn and another is facing an uncertain future.

Staffordshire County Council is considering almost doubling the cost of hot meals after cutting funding.

Those receiving hot meals currently pay £2.40 but will have to fork out £4.44 if agreed by the cabinet next week. The price of a frozen meal would also go up by 22p to £2.52 in June.

Michelle Mitchell, charity director at Age UK, today accused the council of cutting an “essential” service.

But Councillor Matthew Ellis, cabinet member for adults and wellbeing, said: “This is not an increase in charges, but a removal of the subsidy provided by the council taxpayer. It is not up to the council to provide for something that is allowed for by benefits or wages.”

Elsewhere meals on wheels in Dudley are also under review following an announcement by the charity operating the service.

Around 150 meals are served daily by 70 volunteers who work for WRVS at its base in Stourbridge.

The organisation says it is battling to meet the £50,000 annual costs.