Basildon Council’s ruling cabinet agreed to continue its investment in vital services that provide a lifeline to the elderly and vulnerable.

Councillors voted in favour of continuing a service agreement with the Basildon District Volunteer Carers to provide toe nail cutting, escorted shopping and wheelchair loan services.

As part of the agreement the council will make a £25,900 annual contribution to the service’s costs.

Andrew Baggott, cabinet member for community and landlord services, said: “Although there have been some concerns about the falling levels of take-up in some areas of the service, the council is committed to improving the quality of life for its residents.

“We will be monitoring the agreement closely. However, we have sufficient evidence to suggest there is a continued need for these services which provide a lifeline within the community.”

Over the last year the shopping escort service carried out 50 trips, with 4,302 appointments being made for the toe nail cutting service.