A GRANDAD who doesn’t even have enough money for his own funeral will be forced to pay more than £1,500 a year for a carer.

Benjamin Horncastle, of Hedgers Close, Newmans Lane, usually has a carer four times a day as a host of disabilities leave him unable to look after himself.

But the 97-year-old war veteran was left aghast when Essex County Council told him he’ll have to start paying around £30 a week – or lose care altogether.

He has no life savings and absolutely “cannot afford” to pay, and being forced to fend for himself is not an option.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

His daughter, Marilyn Gilmore, said: “The emotional support he gets from the carers is priceless, but they help him physically too.

“My dad is so stressed and says he’s had enough of it. He says he wants to die. He doesn’t even have enough money for his burial, so I don’t know where he’ll get this money from. He wants them to take him to court and put him in prison.

“He thinks he’ll be better off there as he won’t have any worries and will get looked after for free.”

Widowed Mr Horncastle has dementia, a heart problem, is at risk of falls, has had two strokes, is incontinent and a urine leg bag.

The carers shower, dress him and empty his bag as well as ensuring his pills are in order– something which would be too dangerous for him to do by himself.

Earlier this year, the authority initially offered him a phone assessment to confirm how much care he actually needs, later saying they could only offer a home visit in eight weeks’ time.

To add insult to injury, when a social worker finally arrived, he claims he was told to forgo luxuries such as haircuts and the chiropodist, suggesting: “It’s okay, you might look good with a pony tail.”

Below, his daughter Marilyn Gilmore wants to champion others in his shoes

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Mr Horncastle fought in the Second World War but rejected any war medals and resents being called a “hero” for killing people.

He was widowed aged 39, when his only daughter was just 15, and he bought her up while working on railway lines.

Mum-of-four Mrs Gilmore, 67, who herself is disabled, added: “My dad rents his house and gets housing benefit, but has never claimed a day of dole in his life.

“I can’t believe he’s being treated like this.”

Mrs Gilmore believes her dad won’t be the only one suffering with the cuts to social care has spoken up to champion their cases.

She said: “This isn’t just about dad. It’s about everyone in the same boat as him.

“He’s lucky he’s got me to speak up for him, but not everyone will have that.”

Below, Mr Horncastle refuses to be called a "hero" for his war efforts

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Cllr John Spence, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: “Essex County Council continues to face unprecedented financial challenges in social care and so we must act responsibly on behalf of all of our residents.

“We signalled our intention, following a full consultation, to introduce some additional charges for some people receiving support in December last year.

“These charges are in line with national guidance and reflect what many other councils across the country have already introduced.

“For some people already receiving care the contribution they make to their costs may have gone up, and some people may need to start paying for care for the first time.

“We do realise that this will be of concern to some people, and so anyone wishing to discuss their situation will be able to ring our help line.”