LOCAL pensioners are joining a nationwide action day and protest in London on Tuesday.
The event, organised by the National Pensioners Convention, aims to highlight issues that affect the care of older people.
Mike Findley, secretary of the Cleveland Pensioners Convention Forum, said: "Older people and their families are increasingly concerned about the quality and cost of health care. A place in a residential home can cost as much as £27,000 a year, and that is money that people simply cannot afford.
"Many pensioners in Cleveland are concerned that the care of older people is in chaos. Homes are closing down because they say that local authorities are not paying enough towards the cost of care, while the councils argue that they just don't have the resources to cover the fees."
The national protest will be followed on Thursday by the Cleveland Pensioners' Convention Forum's first anniversary rally at Redcar Bowl from 2pm until 4pm.
The main speakers will be agony aunt Claire Rayner, Joe Harris, General Secretary of the NPC and Tony Young, president of the TUC.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article