West Chelmsford MP Simon Burns has hit out at the shortage of residential care home beds in the town and Mid Essex.
The recently appointed shadow health minister took part in a House of Commons debate on long term care.
Afterwards he spoke of a crisis in residential home provision, with too many beds lost because of "a financial squeeze" on government cash for personal social services and "too much Government interference" forcing homes to close.
Mr Burns said: "Chelmsford has not escaped this problem - with two residential homes closed earlier this year and other homes under severe pressure.
"The loss of beds in Chelmsford has meant that some people are having to be placed in homes far away from the town in other parts of Essex.
"This is causing distress to those affected and placing additional burdens on their families."
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