Older people across the UK are being levied increasing charges for lower levels of service when seeking care and support, it has been suggested.

A new report from Counsel and Care suggests that the 'care gap' is widening - meaning that support such as help with shopping or cleaning is being steadily reduced in favour of supporting the few who need more intensive provision.

Stephen Burke, chief executive at the charity, commented: "This survey shows that there is an urgent need for realistic funding of preventative services in order to keep the care system afloat as more local authorities continue to raise their criteria to the highest levels."

He called for the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review to address the issues which are arising as a result of an aging population.

Last month the charity welcomed the new framework for care of the elderly but said that more work needed to be done, with particular concern remaining over the rate for single nursing care and the funding of social care in the long-term.