'Postcode lottery' over elderly care
Updated on 28 January 2009
Some councils are ignoring discretionary powers and forcing elderly people to sell their homes to fund long-term care. Victoria Macdonald reports
Saved up for your old age?
Beware: if you live in England or Wales you might have to sell your home to pay for your long-term care - even though councils have powers available which mean you don't have to.
But the powers are discretionary and many councils are refusing to use them. New figures, obtained by the Conservatives under the Freedom of Information Act, reveal the stark differences for elderly people across the country.
The Tories say the councils are turning the price of care into a postcode lottery.
See how your council handled elderly care claims
See how your council responded: click here to read the full findings.
