Lindsay Hoyle said cutting the service would increase costs

Under the national scheme, participants will get a batch of frozen meals delivered to them once a fortnight.

Lindsay Hoyle, Labour MP for Chorley, said it would not save money but mean bigger costs in the long term.

The council said it would give older people who receive meals at home more choice in what meals they wish to eat.

'Social exclusion'

"We are currently reviewing how best we provide the meal delivery service both in terms of how meals are delivered and the cost effectiveness of the service," the council said in a statement.

"These plans, however, would not affect those who cannot cope with heating meals as they would have carers and home help staff to help them prepare meals.

The decision on the budget savings recommendations will be made at full council on 16 February.

But Mr Hoyle said more costs were involved.

"It will also cost you the running costs to the producer, but also the cost of heating the meal as well.

"We all know the consequences of not getting that right don't we."