THE future of social care for the elderly is in the spotlight today (Thursday) as council chiefs debate whether to consider £3 - 4 million extra revenue spending.

With a 50 per cent increase in people over 85 years, expected in the next 20 years Herefordshire Council's new cabinet is looking at how to cope.

The council will decide on policy this autumn but some initial ideas to be debated include increasing next year's budget by: £760,000 to reduce delays for older people accessing care; £2.5 million (capital) and £500,000 (revenue) to provide more care housing; £2.5 million for investment in preventative services; £220,00 for intensive home care; £100,000 to support carers; £250,000 for training.

The improvements are designed to give older people more say in their care. But with a total price tag of more than £6 million they account for a sizeable increase in the current £14 million pound budget.

The council report to be put before the cabinet outlines the principles behind the work.

"To ensure that older people and all those connected with their care are able to access high quality and cost effective services that are conveniently located, available at appropriate times, enable independent living and offer choice."