Day centres for elderly hit by council cuts

Age UK’s Kirklees and Calderdale branch said it had closed the three in recent months after social services - which refer the majority of its clients - tightened criteria for subsidising places.

The charity said attendance had dropped as a result and the centres in Windy Bank, near Cleckheaton, Brighouse and Slaithwaite, near Huddersfield, were no longer viable.

Spokeswoman Judith Churley said councils were now assessing some clients could afford to contribute £35 a day when they previously paid as little as £5 to attend.

“It is no wonder our numbers are falling,” she said.

Day centres allowed older people to socialise and keep active, as well as giving carers respite, she said. “These are all things that save money down the line,” she added.