Sir – It is interesting to compare the principles of social care of the elderly in the 1970s to that of today.

In the ‘70s the statisticians were indicating that the elderly population would increase, in consequence, more frail and dependent old people would be referred to the caring agencies whose services should plan for this. In Oxfordshire, old people’s homes were being adapted to cater for the frailer old person. However costs of residential care were high and bound to get higher. The choice of many old people was to live, for as long as possible, independently in their own homes. Some assistance would have to be channelled in this direction for this to succeed. Another aspect which had to be reinforced was to try to keep the old people active and stimulated, preventing social isolation and a general caring of the old people who could possibly be at risk. Along with the voluntary sector a programme of day care centres/clubs was encouraged. To be successful they had to be seen by the old people as beneficial.

First and foremost they had to be free admission; lunch charged at economical rate, free transport to those who could not attend unaided and be stimulating within, with various activities. It was sad to read (Report, August 16) that the county council may ‘effectively quadruple day centre charges . . . from £5 to £20’ plus other charges, whatever they may be and ‘accepted that some users may be priced out of attending’.

The county council spokesman says: ‘The increases apply to people who are not currently eligible for social care’. Surely they have lost the plot, the idea of day centres/clubs is to enable them to ensure they do not become ‘social care cases’.

Ray Norrie, Kidlington