It emerged today that a hot meals on wheels service will be made available to anyone willing to pay nearly twice the price of the frozen food option.

Following an agreement with Apetito, Richmond Council announced that from July 1 hot meals can be bought from its meals provider via a council referral at a cost of £5.99 for a two-course meal. Two-course frozen meals start from £3.10.

Assistant director commissioning care services, Jim Rogan said: “Last year the council decided we would only be providing frozen meals and since November 2008 we have been transferring people who have agreed to this service.

“However, a number of people indicated they would be prepared to pay more if the council could offer a hot meal option.

“We still maintain that the frozen service offers better choice, flexibility and value for money.”

In May, the council wrote to all people using the community meals service, to inform them of the hot meal option.

A minimum of 40 people were required to enable it to remain a reality and that number has now been reached.

To find out more about latest developments for the service call 020 8891 7971.