DOZENS of vulnerable adults face having their lives turned upside down as part of a cost-cutting exercise by Wirral Council, a care provider has claimed.

The authority’s social services department has told organisations providing help and care for those with mental illnesses and learning difficulties that their fees will be cut by a third.

Among those affected is Salisbury Independent Living (SIL), which has 80 properties in Wirral.

The company says it cannot afford to provide the same standard of care under the new arrangements.

At a recent meeting, angry residents told senior officers the plans were having a devastating effect on lives.

Angela Cutler, whose son, Darren, has lived in SIL accommodation for two years, said: “Many of these people are not able to express themselves and they are frightened. This would have a major impact on them – the staff are exceptional.”

John Wilberforce, a director at SIL, said they had been presented with a “fait accompli” and even at the meeting the council staff had not been interested in the opinions of those affected.

SIL face a cut in hourly rates from £18.23 to £13.18 .

Mr Wilberforce said: “It’s a take it or leave it offer as it stands. But I can’t make it stack up at £13.

“We can’t cut salaries, because that would be a breach of contract.”