Bradford one of hardest hit areas by cuts

FUNDING cuts have hit Bradford almost 15 times harder than wealthy parts of the South, new analysis shows despite the city facing much higher care bills.

The study highlights the areas where people suffer most from poor physical and mental health, disability and early death, imposing huge extra costs on local councils.

Bradford is the 37th worst-hit of 325 authorities for "health deprivation and disability", according to the House of Commons library analysis.

And, since 2010, it has lost 213.04 of its overall spending power for every resident, according to a separate study by finance chiefs at Newcastle City Council.

Yet, the average loss in the five areas with the fewest sick and disabled people, and, therefore, much lower care costs, is calculated at just 15.41 per head approaching 15 times less.

Incredibly, spending power has actually risen at one authority, Elmbridge, in Surrey - up 8.14 per head - while it has plummeted in Bradford, down 213.04.

The gulf is seen as crucial because social care is the biggest financial burden for councils - gobbling up one third of Bradfords budget - with responsibility for public health now added.

Recently, the charity Age UK warned that older people have been left high and dry by council cutbacks to help with washing and dressing, to day care places and meals on wheels services.

Councillor Amir Hussain, Bradfords executive member for health and social care, said that was not the case in the city, thanks to back office cuts and efficiencies.

But he warned: We are reaching the point where, if these cuts continue, we will have no option but to look at what services we can no longer provide.

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Bradford one of hardest hit areas by cuts