Southend MP David Amess has told Parliament that social services in Southend are in crisis with more cuts in services to follow.

He argued that Southend was not being given the resources to cope with the increasing number of people needing the service.

He pointed out increased life expectancy and growing numbers of children were putting a crippling strain on social services.

He told the Commons that three of Southend's care homes had been closed to save £1 million and that social services were on target to spend £1.5 million over budget.

He said: "There has also been a large increase in home care charges. Local residents are facing extra charges for meals on wheels and all sorts of other services.

"The situation is already serious, and, having analysed the projections for next year, I believe that they will lead to further cuts."

He said it was a myth that Southend was a wealthy area with no social problems, but a transient population from London caused many problems.

Although the council is working with the South Essex Health Authority, Mr Amess said Southend could not chip in and help because it is under-resourced.

He said: "Some of the letters that I have received about what is happening on the ground are very worrying.

"Social services introduced a new charging policy for non-residential community care. Instead of a flat rate of £10.35, it was decided to introduce a band system.

"Following that new policy, I have had many letters from elderly and disabled constituents whom the council feels should be able to pay for their non-residential community care. That fear is being stoked because pensioners are getting only a 75p a week increase."

Health minister Yvette Cooper told Mr Amess: "Southend's standard spending assessment increased by 10 per cent last year, and by a further 5.7 per cent this year, to £34.3 million. The Government has increased the resources available to Southend for social services by £5.1m."

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