ELDERLY people and people with learning disabilities in Trafford are being short changed by the Government as budgets fail to keep pace with demographic trends.

That's the message from Councillor John Lamb who is calling on Gordon Brown to carry out a "serious review of central Government funding."

According to the executive member for adult social services, Trafford social care is facing a "funding crisis" with the number of people over the age of 85 expected to increase by two thirds in the 20 years.

In his letter he claims that between 2003-2006 the number of older people needing homecare in the borough has increased by 23 per cent while those with learning disabilities has increased by 30 per cent.

Meanwhile the annual revenue budget has increased in real terms by five per cent, five per cent and two per cent respectively in the past three years.

He said: "There's a national recognition that local authorities currently have tremendous pressure on them.

"In Trafford we do get a very poor rate support grant settlement because of the perceived wealth of the borough. This year the money from the Government falls tremendously short."

He added: "It is right we draw attention to what is a very concerning matter but we are not letting it get out of control.

"We are managing social care in Trafford to ensure that those who need the service receive the service but we are having to look at different ways of providing it.

"We are having to look hard and make some tough decisions as we go forward but we are not sitting idly by hoping the Government stumps up."

As well as writing to the Chancellor, Cllr Lamb has sent the letter to Lord Bruce-Lockhart who is raising the issue of social care funding in the House of Lords on Thursday.

Councillor David Acton, leader of the Labour Party, said: "I think all local authorities would like more money but that has not changed over the last number of years.

"What has changed is the Conservatives locally have cut the budget in social services and for them to go whingeing to the Government is rich."

lroberts@messengergrp.co.uk