Cash-strapped Castle Point Council has run out of funds to adapt homes for disabled people.

Last month the Evening Echo reported changes to help disabled people carry on living in their own homes could cost the council £200,000 because it had exceeded its budget.

Now even more referrals are going in to the housing department from Essex County Council and there is no money to fund them.

The council's health and housing director, Alan Longford, said: "There is basically more demand than there is funding for.

"We have to put in budgets every year and there are now a lot more referrals coming in from the county and the money has run out."

Disabled people in need of a stair-lift or a walk-in shower might have to go on a waiting list, he said.

He added: "We are very concerned about this and want to make these homes suitable for their occupants. We have now written to the MP to see if there is anything he can do or to see if he can assist with funding."

The problems have cropped up since the Government changed the way it gives money for grants.

Published Friday July 9, 2004

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