THE Keighley father of a man with severe autism said he was shocked to find out that respite care charges for his son had risen by 22 per cent.

Barry Thorne, 69, of Harewood Road, said he understands that Bradford Council has to contend with severe Government cuts, but has called on the council to reconsider what he branded an "appalling decision."

A council spokesman responded: “The charges for short breaks in Shared Lives has remained the same for a number of years. But in the light of large Government cuts, we have unfortunately had to look at all areas of the authority’s work to assess if they are value for money.

“Everyone affected by these changes was informed last year, and a consultation on these costs was conducted both last year and over the last few months."

Mr Thorne, who is a longtime member of the Labour party and also a Labour councillor on Keighley Town Council, said he received the letter from the district council informing him of the increased charges on Saturday. (Sept 16)

This means he and his wife must now pay £23.06 instead of £17.94 whenever their 46-year-old son Stephen goes away on two-night weekend respite trips with carers.

Mr Thorne said the care his son receives on these trips is "excellent" and praised the carers responsible.

He said Stephen had been benefitting from the service for many years.

He added: "I know how difficult things are with the Tory cuts, but some of the most vulnerable people are having to face this and I find it unacceptable.

"As a Labour Party member I have defended The Labour group on Bradford Council on all occasions through Keighley Town Council, on social media and in the papers. But not this time.

"It's a hell of an increase and it has never gone up by so much in one go before.

"My wife and I will just have to pay it, because we don't want to lose this service. Stephen loves it.

"But I know we may be in a better position to be able to continue paying than many others.

"I think the council should look again at this, and do what they can to ameliorate it."

The Bradford Council spokesman said: “The charge is going up from £8.97 for 24 hours to £11.53 for working age adults.

"This brings it in line with the charge for equivalent residential services from leading national care provider Lifeways, who support people with learning disabilities.

"Shared Lives gives carers a break, and provides the cared for person with care, support, food and a chance to have a different experience.”

Councillor Val Slater, executive member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “We recognise and understand that austerity has made things difficult for people.

"But in this case the cost has increased by £5.12 for three nights respite care, and we consider this to still be good value.”