OTLEY'S MP has criticised Leeds City Council for issuing 'misleading' details about social care charges.

The local authority had told residents earlier this year increased care charges were being introduced due to the new Care Act rules.

Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West), however, questioned that claim.

He then sought advice from the House of Commons Library, which confirmed the Act does not affect the level of support local authorities can provide.

The MP said: "I was very concerned Leeds was putting out this misleading and inaccurate information, but even more so when they refused to correct their mistake.

"This was understandably a very distressing situation for the affected residents, and rather than take responsibility for what was their own decision, the council sought to place blame with the Government and the Care Act.

"I am pleased the council was finally agreed to contact the affected residents to clarify this matter, but I remain concerned that, despite my raising this issue in March, it took a great deal of staff time and numerous e-mails from my office for the council to finally admit their errors, which they only did after the election."

Leeds City Council's deputy director of adult social care, Dennis Holmes, accepts the error, but insists the Care Act will land local authorities with real new pressures.

He said: "We take our responsibility to provide accurate information to customers very seriously, so have apologised for the incorrect information issued in this instance.

“We know the introduction of the Care Act will result in increased pressure on councils to provide care services at the same time as coping with reduced government funding, and this has left us little choice but to consider an increase in some people’s contribution to non-residential services.

"This is not something we have done lightly.

“We want to fully understand the impact of these proposed increased contributions so we are carrying out a full consultation over the next few months. No increases will apply until we have consulted with customers about the way forward."