I'D like to know how many residents in Lancashire County Council care homes no longer have their own homes to go back to.

What plans have been made to provide local care beds when short-term care is needed for respite to give carers a rest, holiday care while supportive family carers or friends go on holiday, short-time stay of up to two or three months, and after time spent in hospital?

Past family experiences have shown that local care equals local staff, local visitors and the resident's "own doctor" overseeing the transition period, all resulting less in anxiety for residents and their families.

For residents who are expected to return to their own homes or future generations of elderly friends and neighbours -- what plans or costings have been made to ensure that their homes re safe and comfortable?

Will frail and elderly people still have to choose between help with shopping and help with cleaning?

When their income is reduced by 50 per cent due to their partner's death, how can you reduce their money worries as they struggle to maintain a safe, comfortable home, especially if their pension is stopped due to a stay in hospital.

Who will they, their families or neighbours turn to when medical, social, material or practical support is refused or unavailable?

The cynical side of me suspects that the plans for more old people to stay in their own home is a secret way of increasing council tax revenue.

TERESA CHANNELL, Park Avenue, Great Harwood.