LEEDS faces a complete collapse of its care system as 12 of the city’s providers threaten to withdraw their services, GMB union warned today.

The care companies, which represent half the city’s providers, have written to Leeds City Council saying they will be forced to stop looking after their 1,500 service users unless the council stumps up more cash.

The cost of care provision will rise by an estimated 8.6 per cent due to National Insurance increases and inflation. 

But the council is only offering a 1.6 per cent increase in funding, leaving a deficit of 7 per cent to be borne by the care providers. 

The care companies urge the council to reassess the proposed uplift and move towards a neighbourhood model, as used in Bradford and Sheffield.

GMB senior organiser Peter Davies accused the council of ignoring the union and care workers. 

A Leeds City Council statement said: “We have met with the care providers and have listened to their concerns regarding their cost pressures.

“Their feedback is now being considered and will inform the decisions the council will make about the fee increases that will be applied for the next financial year.”