Mrs Beecroft told the Keys that the number of users of the service had dropped - but she did not say why.

But the Manx Independent can reveal the department itself reduced the number of referrals it made.

We asked the DHSC, following Mrs Beecroft’s statement, whether that was due to the number of referrals going down, users choosing another service, other reasons or a combination.

A spokesman said: ’The department made 171 referrals, 2015/16, and 155, 2016/17. During the same period the number of people withdrawing from the service, classed as closed cases, were 98 for 2015/16 and 121, 16/17.

’Of the 121 closed cases, 62.8 per cent were cancelled by the users themselves and were not due to them moving into care homes or for any other reason.’

The spokesman added: ’Regarding referral, social work assessment can identify if a food delivery service may be required and information is then supplied regarding the meals on wheels service. It is then up to the individual if they choose to access the service. This has not changed.

’It is also possible for people to access the service directly, without DHSC recommendation.’