THE High Court is to be asked to overturn Lancashire County Council's policy on care for the elderly.

The Lancashire Care Association revealed last week that it is to challenge the council's policy of reducing placements and offering what they argue is insufficient funding for care placements.

The county council, which is also seeking to close several of its own care homes, plans to provide more care for old people at home.

The association, which represents more than 400 private care homes, including many in North Lancashire, lodged a letter of intent with the council last Thursday, and is demanding a judicial review.

Solicitors will argue that the council policy was irrational and unlawful.

The LCA believes the decision puts elderly residents' welfare at risk and therefore breaches the 1998 Human Rights Act.

The LCA also complains that the funding provided to its members is inadequate to cover the cost of providing care.

LCA chairman, Frank Hessey, said today: "This is the latest move in our campaign to stop Lancashire County Council continuing to place our ageing population at risk and denying the security of high-quality residential care for the frail and elderly of the county.

"The Government's health care strategy underlines the need for consultation and partnership at every stage.

Lancashire County Council has blatantly ignored this.

"Apart from the continuing worry and anxiety to elderly people and their families, the council's actions remain a threat to 15,000 dedicated and hard-working people who are employed in both council and private homes."

The county council now has 14 days to reply before the claimants present their case to the High Court.

- see this week's letters