A PENSIONER paying for his wife to be looked after in a care home has hit out after being told he will have to pay more in top up fees.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has cut the amount they give to a care home by 3.75% so people such as 70-year-old James Hurst, of Ellesmere Avenue, Upton must stump up the difference.

Mr Hurst’s wife Betty has advanced Alzheimer’s and is cared for at Holly Bank EMI Care Home, Wrexham.

Cutbacks mean the home has asked relatives and loved ones to stump up more cash.

Mr Hurst said: “The lady who does the accounts at the home went to a meeting when it was confirmed. They said there would be further reductions next year.

“I am the service user having to pay more money to make it up and they haven’t told us.”

Mr Hurst revealed Wrexham council has not changed its own contribution to the service.

He added: “People on a basic state pension are going to really struggle to pay this and no thought has been given to them at all.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council said the council is asking all its service providers, including residential and nursing home providers, to help share the shrinking level of resources that are available.

A spokeswoman said: “Historically, the council has been paying one of the more generous fee levels in the north west and believe this is an efficiency the sector can achieve.

“There should be absolutely no need for homes to pass additional costs onto their residents.”