A LEADING care charity has called on elderly and vulnerable people across Lancashire to voice their concerns over proposed social services cuts.

Hundreds of people across Lancashire are also set to see their care packages end after a task group rubberstamped a series of cuts, which were first unveiled six months ago.

Currently Lancashire County Council provides social care services for people with moderate, substantial and critical needs.

But proposed county hall cutbacks would see the moderate banding eliminated and vulnerable and elderly residents living in the county reassessed by social services.

Council leaders say a 'significant minority' of senior citizens and people with physical and learning disabilities would then qualify as having 'substantial' needs.

But the moves, which would produce considerable savings for the council, could also leave hundreds of care users having to fend for themselves in future without help to carry out everyday tasks.

Steve Moon, a spokesman for Crossroads Association, the carers charity, said: "We are very concerned about what is happening and we would urge anybody who feels their services are being removed inappropriately to go through whatever channels they can to express their views."

The 'fair access to care' issue has been reviewed by a seven-strong county council task group who ratified the cuts.

However they insist that before any service reductions are put in place, viable alternatives can be identified within the voluntary and charity sectors.

An Age Concern spokesman said: "Tightening eligibility for care is short-sighted and will have a major impact on the health of older people in Lancashire.

"Any decision by the county to reduce services will have hit the quality of life of vulnerable and unwell older people, but it will also be felt by the taxpayers of Lancashire."