JUST a few points about the high increases to our parents' cost for the pleasure of occupying a warden controlled flat in Bromsgrove.

Why has the cost of sheltered housing gone up so drastically?

The answer would appear to be that Bromsgrove District Council has overspent and this is the easy option.

Why did the council need to send someone to find out what the individual requirements were? It should have this knowledge already.

It also caused a lot of upset to people in their 80s and 90s telling them they will no longer be having their washing or cleaning done by council staff, only their personal care will be taken into consideration, and this is not certain.

It must be very frightening for these elderly people especially if they have no family to look after their interests.

My father and my mother-in-law are very upset that the cost has now gone up £14 a week.

This is on top of the rent increase, which does not leave a great deal for food, a bath at £10 a time and any luxuries such as grandchildren's birthday presents.

It does not encourage anyone to work hard and buy your own house. People are being penalised for saving.

It would have been much better if they had gone out every night drinking and gambling.

They would now be receiving all the help available.

Patricia Jones,

Caefelyn,

Norton,

Presteigne,

Powys.