County cuts in day care put extra burden on Eastleigh pensioners - Huhne

5.08.11pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 5th Apr 2006

Mr Huhne has written to Cllr Ken Thornber, the leader of HCC, asking for an explanation.

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne has accused Hampshire County Council of making cuts in day care that will particularly hit Eastleigh pensioners who look after their elderly children.

Mr Huhne received a delegation of elderly carers and their children at his surgery this week when it was explained that cuts in the day care offered at Bishopstoke day centre were principally for those who had elderly carers.

"The county has concluded that pensioners should be able to look after their elderly children - in their thirties and forties - for more time at home but this does not take account of their own problems.

"For example, one pensioner couple I saw that is now expected to look after a 39 year old daughter for another two days a week at home are themselves suffering from both cancer and Parkinson's disease. They need a break from caring for their daughter.

"The county has cut the number of days their daughter can attend Bishopstoke day centre by two days a week, and this is fairly typical judging by my post bag.

"By contrast, if someone who needs care is put with a full-time paid adult carer - as needs to happen when there are no parents or close family members - there have been no cuts in the days offered at the day centre. Presumably the county knows that they would not put up with it.

Mr Huhne has written to Cllr Ken Thornber, the leader of HCC, asking for an explanation of the pattern of cuts hitting people with elderly pensioner carers.

Mr Huhne is pictured here outside his office with (from left to right) Mr Lovelock, Ellen Baker, Helga Baker, Joan Lovelock, Pat Higgins, Caroline Lovelock, Peggy Cox, Edna Lovejoy, Joan Kimber and John Davis.