A pensioner has hit out at the loss of his seriously ill wife's extra benefits.

Mary McDonald, 67, was admitted to Brookfield Christian Care Home, Cowley, Oxford, two months ago, following a double stroke which left her unable to talk and halved her weight.

It was agreed she would pay £113.50 per week towards care costs, leaving her about £10 Income Support which her husband Bill used to for essential items like clothes.

Mr McDonald, of Donnington Bridge Road, Oxford, said the Benefits Agency increased its payments in April. He then received a council letter stating her contribution would now be £119.65.

Mr McDonald, 68, who travels to see his wife every day, said: "I wasn't even given an explanation why."

Oxfordshire County Council's Finance Manager for Operational Services, Nick Kennedy, said: "The Government has increased its payments with the expectation that the money will be paid towards her care.

"It's a standard thing." Mr McDonald is not satisfied, though. He said: "My worry is that this is also happening to other people and I want to raise awareness of it."

The Benefits Agency was unavailable for comment.

Story date: Thursday 20 May

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