COUNTY Hall bosses have accused a union leader of ‘misrepresenting the situation in Lancashire’ after he criticised cuts in support for adults with learning disabilities.

Tim Ellis, East Lancashire organiser for Unison, said he feared for the future care of 440 vulnerable adults assessed as having ‘moderate’ needs.

He claimed they would be left without support and said Lancashire County Council was also reducing support for vulnerable adults with ‘critical’ needs, as it attempts to implement £26million of social care budget cuts.

Plans to save cash include making sure that ‘whenever possible’ volunteers, friends or family accompanied people on leisure trips, rather than paid staff, it has been revealed.

But Mike Calvert, cabinet member for adult and community services, said: “Mr Ellis's claim that vulnerable people are being left without support is outrageous and a slur on the thousands of dedicated people, many of them Unison mebers, who care for disabled, elderly and vulnerable people in the county.

“Nobody will have their support packages changed without a reassessment.” said Mr Calvert “Social care staff will provide advice and information about alternatives to anyone who does lose their entitlement.”

Mr Ellis said he was not criticising his members or workers, but the reduction in support. He said: “They will have to reassess people, if they don’t it is illegal, but they have clearly said if they are found to have a ‘moderate’ need they will take away their care package to save £5million.”