Yorkshire Post finds 'postcode lottery' in home care

The "postcode lottery" associated with long term care plans needs to end, a survey by the Yorkshire Post has concluded.

A poll by the newspaper found that access to council services in the Yorkshire area has deteriorated as the nation's finances have been squeezed, meaning more people are paying for care and fewer are considered suitable for routine services.

In the East Riding, North Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire and York areas there are no limits for local services, which can cost as much as £500 per week.

Meanwhile, council bosses in Kirklees have announced that they will join the majority of local authorities in the area by providing care only to those with "substantial" needs.

"Social care has never been properly funded, even in more prosperous times and now that spending is being slashed the situation has reached breaking point," Michael Padgham, chairman of the UK Homecare Association, told the newspaper.

Meanwhile, Andrew Dilnot's review of elderly care in the UK has demanded a new nationwide test to establish care needs around the country.

Posted by Toby Mynott