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Written question asked by Catherine West (Labour) on Friday, 20 March 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 25 March 2020 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Wednesday, 25 March 2020. A substantive answer was provided by Simon Clarke (Conservative) on Tuesday, 21 April 2020 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Meals on Wheels: Coronavirus

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if his Department will provide funding to local authorities to reintroduce a nationwide meals on wheels service for the vulnerable during the covid-19 outbreak.

Answer

MHCLG continues to work with local authorities to develop appropriate measures that ensure those most vulnerable have access to food and drink throughout the Covid-19 outbreak.

On 23 March, the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for this Department announced steps to protect 1.5 million high-risk individuals. These individuals received letters asking them to shield themselves and stay at home for the next 12 weeks.

To support these high-risk individuals, we are working with local authorities, the food industry, local resilience and emergency partners, and voluntary groups to ensure these individuals have essential items such as groceries and medicine through deliveries and priority supermarket delivery slots, if they do not have alternative means of accessing these.

In addition, we have announced over £3.2 billion in funding to support local authorities to respond to this pandemic.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
32713
Session
2019-21
Subjects
Finance Meals on wheels Coronavirus
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk