Hot meals on wheels could be the latest service cut by the council in a bid to save £150,000.

Wandsworth Council is expected to cancel its contract with Apetito, which provides 167 pensioners with hot meals in the borough.

Those using the service will still be able to get frozen meals delivered to their front doors, with the option to apply for a microwave.

A decline of people receiving meals on wheels has pushed their price up to £8.82, with users having to pay £4.75 towards their cost.

In comparison, a frozen meal delivery costs £2.70, and the council has offered to help pay towards eligible pensioners using home delivery supermarket shopping.

Councillor Jim Maddan, cabinet member for adult care and health, said: “Our aim is to encourage people to be able to enjoy a much wider range of options and not be restricted to the rather limited menus that are currently on offer.

“Under our proposals we would give those who are eligible for financial support money to help pay for this service, which they could then spend according to their own individual tastes.”

A council paper said 12 part-time workers will be made redundant.

It said: “High fixed costs make the service unattractive to clients and the contract cost does not present value for money for the council. 

“It is therefore recommended that this contract comes to an end on March 31, 2013.”

Lilias Gillies, honorary secretary of Wandsworth Older People’s Forum, said: “I hope everybody who is needing help will get an assessment and a social worker will discuss their needs, so if someone is unable to organise it themselves, a social worker will.”

Martyn Ellacot, vice-chairman of Wandsworth Access, said: “It’s an expensive meal when you can go to Iceland and pick up five meals and have one each day.

“It would be safer if they didn’t have to give keys to a stranger and you can do it yourself.”

Councillors were expected to discuss the proposals at the adult social services scrutiny committee on November 7.