ELDERLY and disabled people could experience further disruption to their home care when a contract with a service provider ends, users fear.

The council has put a home care contract out to tender because Leonard Cheshire Disability (LCD) has pulled out following a flurry of complaints by users about lower than standard service during the handover last April and in the subsequent months.

Complaints included vulnerable adults being left waiting for late or missed visits from carers and some who missed their medication.

Matthew Burgess, who complained to LCD after his mother Miriam, of Winslow Grove, Chingford, was not prompted to take medicine on two occasions, said the council should have cancelled the contract a long time ago.

He said: “I think it is far too late in the day – they've done lots of damage. We experienced neglect first hand when my mum wasn't given her medication, but she is not as vulnerable because she has family – what about the others? It is disgraceful.

“But ultimately the Waltham Forest Council provide the care, not LCD. Services like public care should not be put out to private companies. They are putting tenders out to get the best value for money. This sort of care should be provided by the local authority and they should take responsibility.”

Kevin Ball, of Waltham Abbey, who complained after his 80-father Donald of Kings Head Hill, Chingford, had missed appointments and had no consistency of carers at the beginning, said: “I don't mind who provides the care as long as my dad keeps his main carers.

“Many of these companies seem to take over with their own staff. That is a worry because it is important that they become familiar with the carers.”

Contracts with the two other other providers, Housing 21 and Allied Healthcare, remain.

Cllr Liz Phillips, cabinet member for health, adult and older people, said: “The Council will work hard with LCD and new providers to ensure that the transition period goes smoothly, and people receiving care services will be involved in the evaluation of tender bids.

“The required care standards are being met in the majority of cases, and the council will choose a new service provider carefully to ensure that people will receive the high quality care they deserve and expect."

Leonard Cheshire Disability declined to comment.