I REFER to your article on December 3 concerning hot meals provided in accommodation for older people by the City of York Council.

Cllr Andrew Waller had nothing to do with the decision to introduce customer choice in lunchtime meal provision. He wasn’t elected until October 16, so he deludes himself about decisions taken earlier in the year.

Also the continued reference by your reporters to “sheltered housing” is erroneous. Meals have never been provided in this type of accommodation. The schemes in question are “Extra Care” and were introduced by the council in the 1990s as an alternative to residential care to support older people with higher dependency needs but retaining their independence.

Such residents are often unable to cater fully for themselves in their flats and a hot meal at lunchtime in the lounge/dining area was a distinct feature of the schemes. The change now introduced allows residents to choose themselves who should provide the hot meals rather than the council imposing its own caterer.

I trust this clarifies the situation.

Bob Towner, Chair York, Older People’s Assembly, White Rose Avenue, New Earswick, York