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The cost of in-home care has become a contentious issue in the North East, with residents in Middlesbrough and Darlington facing vastly different financial demands for similar services. The disparity has raised questions about fairness and the financial pressures placed on vulnerable individuals.
In Middlesbrough, a 23-year-old receiving essential in-home care was told the local authority would take a staggering 60% of their benefits to cover care costs. Despite the individual’s concerns about falling into debt, officials reportedly showed little regard for the financial strain this decision would cause.
“It’s a shocking lack of compassion,” said one family member. “They don’t seem to care if people are left struggling to pay their bills or put food on the table. These are young people already dealing with challenges, and now they’re being pushed further into financial hardship.”
Just a few miles away in Darlington, a 31-year-old receiving similar care services pays less than £100 per month—highlighting the stark disparity in policies between neighboring authorities. The contrast has left many wondering why care costs are not standardized to ensure fairness across the region.
“This shouldn’t be happening,” said Aaron Kearney, Managing Director of Kearney FM. “Why should someone in Middlesbrough pay so much more than someone in Darlington for the same care? Vulnerable people shouldn’t be left worrying about debt on top of everything else they’re dealing with.”
Campaigners are now calling for urgent reforms to address the inconsistency in care charges. Many argue that local authorities should implement a fairer, means-tested system to ensure that no one is disproportionately burdened.
“For a young person reliant on benefits, taking 60% of their income is simply unsustainable,” said a local activist. “This approach doesn’t just risk pushing people into debt—it risks pushing them into crisis.”
Middlesbrough Council has yet to comment on the specific case, but the growing backlash highlights the need for greater scrutiny of how care costs are calculated and the impact on those most in need.
With the cost-of-living crisis already stretching households to their limits, the issue of equitable care funding has become more urgent than ever. As campaigners push for change, many are left asking: how much longer can vulnerable individuals bear the weight of these policies?
About The Reporter
