PENSIONERS in some sheltered housing face not being able to claim their free television licences after councillors reduced the hours of wardens.

A loophole in regulations means that not only do up to 30 elderly residents have less time with a warden on site but they also lose their free licences if they are under 75.

The Tories on Medway Council have asked the council's director of health and community to examine how to avoid the pensioners being hit. But Cllr Bill Esterson, shadow social services spokesperson, said: "By cutting wardens in sheltered accommodation, the Conservatives have both cut the support to some of our old people and cost them an immediate increase of £100 on their TV licences."

Up to 30 pensioners are affected in sheltered schemes at Mountevans House in Gillingham, St Mark's House in Gillingham and Esmonde House in Brompton. Typically, hours for the warden at each scheme have been cut from 35 hours to 25 hours a week. Although everyone over 75 can claim a free television licence, all residents in sheltered housing can claim one if the warden works 30 or more hours a week or lives on site.

Cllr Howard Doe, health and community portfolio holder in the cabinet, said: "The licensing system has not kept pace with the modern style of delivering support services.

ÒIt is extremely important that elderly people are not worried about this issue, and I have asked the council's director of Health and Community to examine the feasibility of introducing a guarantee system to prevent such a liability falling on the elderly receiving the warden service, should the licensing authority not grant the same level of relief."