COUNCIL budget cuts will disproportionately hit the oldest and most vulnerable in society, campaigners warn.

The Older Person’s Council (OPC) has warned that plans to cut £13 million from Brighton and Hove City Council’s adult social care budget by 2020 mean the city risks failing those “who were most in need of care”.

OPC secretary Penny Morley warned more cuts will push the crisis on to the health service, which was already struggling to cope.

Mrs Morley said the cuts were being carried out against a backdrop of crisis in the city which has seen seven GP surgeries close, a failed privatisation of the county’s patient transport system and the Royal Sussex County Hospital on the highest alert throughout January.

The OPC warned £4.74 million of cuts to community care, including almost half a million for support with physical disability and sensory loss, will mean more older people going to A&E when a crisis occurs.

It also warned that elderly residents would experience greater social isolation and increase the risk of mental health problems.

The OPC is also opposed to £1.35 million of cuts to assessment, support and intervention services including cuts to occupational therapy.

Mrs Morley also criticised the council for making further cuts to well-performing services including Ireland Lodge and Wayfield Avenue residential facilities – both rated good in recent CQC inspections.

Concerns have also been raised about cuts to community transport, sexual health support, community meals, public toilets and bus services.

Mrs Morley said: “A third of the city’s 30,000 elderly residents are on pension credit, many are living in poverty and this is the time of life when they need help and support.

“The government approach to local government is myopic.

“The NHS and adult social care work together so if you are constantly cutting back on adult social care, you are just pushing the crisis on to the NHS.

The adult social care precept, there is not enough money coming to match what is going out.

“Dementia affects ten per cent of over 65s, it is the biggest cause of death, we need more resources to tackle this not less.”

A Brighton and Hove City Council spokeswoman said: “Due to reductions in funding from the Government and increased demand for services the council has to make savings of £51m over the next three years.

“However, we have a duty to fund support for people who have eligible adult social care needs, and we will continue to meet our obligations in this regard.”

He said to make savings they will reduce costs and be proactive with services which keep people healthy. He said no decisions have been made on short-term care provision.