Disabled man facing care cuts: 'I'll only leave this house in a coffin'

A man with cerebral palsy has been told his care budget could be cut, putting at risk his vital round the clock care and his independence.

Nigel Hamlett, from Tewkesbury, is confined to a wheel chair and looked after 20 hours a day. He's been told he will be re-assessed as part of wider cuts to Gloucestershire County Council.

He says he's worried he may be forced into an institution which would be "hell on earth", and claims the maths doesn't add up:

"Before I leave home they'll be carrying me out in a coffin. That's the only way I am going to leave"

"It's ludicrous because they're saying it's all about money. But everybody knows that several years ago they set up direct payments to try and save money, because they wanted to put disabled people into their own homes because it was cheaper. But now, they've suddenly done a reverse cycle."

Nigel's carer, Charlotte Robinson, says his quality of life would be affected: "I do all the necessary things around the house for him. He needs help with cooking and cleaning, everything really. But mainly, it's getting out of the house and living like the rest of us do."

Dawn Porter, Head of Service for Integrated Adults Social Care, at Gloucestershire County Council, issued the following statement:

“Our adult social care team have been working closely with Mr. Hamlett on his care package."

“We have a responsibility to ensure that each person’s needs are met and annual reassessments help us to do this. People’s needs often change and the support provided needs to adapt."