ANGRY pensioners are ready to revolt over new home care charges - claiming they cannot afford the price hike.

Dozens of outraged older people have called the Citizen to complain about Lancashire County Council's non-residential care charges since the paper highlighted one person's plight last week.

They say they simply cannot afford the care they need because of rocketing costs which in some cases soared by 600 percent.

"My disabled friend Wyn relies on the help of the carers but her fees have risen from £12.50 to £25 per week, knocking her finances sideways. She can't do without it but just can't afford it," says William Bury, of Penhill Gardens, Heysham.

"Lancashire County Council is way off line. I thought Labour would be looking after the working class people and not stealing from pensioners," adds the 68-year-old.

Dorothy Wadsworth, of Heysham, says she got a letter informing her of the increase on the day that new charges took effect.

"For three hours of care per week there was an increase from £7.50 to £17.58, so I panicked and cancelled the service straight away. I am upset and cross because it is such a big jump," she adds.

Carers did her heavy cleaning and shopping and since losing the service she has found it very hard work', she says.

See News - Lancaster for the full story on care home hikes and more area news.

May 29, 2003 09:30