A VULNERABLE man could be forced out of his supported accommodation by soaring care costs and an unexpected £2,000 bill.

Edward West, who has learning difficulties, had his weekly care costs more than doubled following a recent assessment by Darlington Borough Council.

Mr West, who lives in supported accommodation in the town, is terrified of losing his home and being taken to court over his inability to meet the authority’s demands for payment.

His contribution to care costs soared from £45 to £92.86 after an assessment in October, an issue compounded by the unexpected arrival of a bill for £2,461.15 in November.

Mr West says the authority has not explained what the large invoice, which shows a billing period of less than a month, relates to.

After asking his social worker for an explanation, he says he was told he could face court if he did not meet the payments and was advised to save costs by moving out of his supported accommodation.

A spokeswoman for Darlington Borough Council spokeswoman said: “We have been working with Mr West for a considerable amount of time to help find a solution and are committed to ensuring that the matter is resolved to everyone’s satisfaction.”

However, the strain of financial pressure is taking its toll on Mr West, who says the authority should do more to protect its most vulnerable residents.

“This has all come out of the blue, if I’m in debt to them I’d expect to get reminders but there’s been nothing," he said.

“When I got that bill, I just broke down and cried – it’s a lot of money, especially after my care costs going up, and my doctor is worried about my mental health.

“I don’t understand why they’ve gone up, I do a lot of things myself like cooking and cleaning and budgeting.

“I was told the only thing I can do is move out of my house because I can’t afford the bills, the care costs and this but I’ve lived here a long time.”

He added: “The council should cut their own wages – they are doing a lot of things in Darlington like building the new cinema.

“They can do that but when it comes to someone’s welfare they just don’t care.

“They’re threatening me with court and it’s frightening, I don’t want to go.

“It’s about other people, not just me – disabled people shouldn’t be going through this kind of thing.”