Northumberland Labour says the proposal to increase service charges for people in sheltered accommodation across the county will affect people who are already struggling.

Leader Scott Dickinson said: “During Labour’s time in power we did not make service charges; we collected rent. This penny-pinching strategy will affect many people who are already finding life difficult with the cost of living crisis.

“Even the council’s phased introduction will see people on average being charged an extra £15 a week in the first year. This is the difference between being able to put food on the table or going without.

“The sheltered accommodation affected is in Blyth, Cramlington, New Delaval, Rothbury, and Amble.

“Only a few weeks ago the council leader was talking about reaching out and putting an arm around all people in the county. This seems like a very strange way of going about it; penny-pinching on some of the most vulnerable people in our community.”