The opposition leader has called budget plans an “attack on the elderly” after it was approved last night.

Conservative Cllr Paul Canal strongly opposed plans to increase care charges from £350 to £450 and claimed carers would have to pay up to about £1,000 for support.

He said the budget would “force people not to get the support they need”.

Redbridge Council leader Cllr Jas Athwal said: “This is a budget born out of necessity, born out of the decay in Redbridge, a budget that supports vital services.

“I absolutely refute the claims that we plan to charge carers up to £950 a year for support. It is simply untrue.

“The implementation of charges to carers who are currently in receipt of home care packages or direct payments to help with their role, is one of the many budget proposals put forward to provide income to assist with the budget deficit.

“We recognise the hard work and essential help carers give and a range of non-chargeable services has been on offer to help the carers with their responsibilities.”

More to follow.