OVER the past few years we have seen big cuts in local authority services forced on councils by central government budget reductions.

At the same time, the elderly population continues to rise as people live longer.

Because of this, more and more pensioners are depending for their wellbeing on the services of care agencies and the carers they employ.

Like them, many people with disabilities would also be unable to live in their own homes without daily visits from agency staff to help with essential routine tasks like washing, dressing, shopping and cleaning.

A number of small companies have become established in East Lancashire to fulfil this vital role but now their clients are worried about county council plans to reduce the number of firms they will deal with from 129 to 30.

The county wants to cut costs by dealing with a small number of large businesses.

But Lancashire is a big county and it’s hardly surprising that elderly groups are upset.

People who have a tried and tested local provider are bound to be apprehensive at the idea of giant conglomerates taking over a service where personal relationships are key.