COUNCILLORS have called for an investigation following claims that disabled ex-servicemen are having to wait more than a year to be assessed.

Bob Mortimer, Royal British Legion representative, claimed that many disabled members were being forced to wait more than 12 months to get an assessment of need from Kirklees Council's social services.

He told Huddersfield North Area Committee that members were left waiting for vital disability aids such as access ramps and rail fittings.

Mr Mortimer, from Netherton, who is chairman of the South and West Yorkshire County Royal British Legion, said: "This delay is putting a great deal of financial strain on voluntary organisations such as the Royal British Legion and the Citizen's Advice Bureau, which are being made accountable for social service mismanagement.

"The department has a legal duty to look after disabled war veterans as a priority, just like doctors and hospitals have to make sure they get proper medical treatment.

"The Royal British Legion already spends £64m on members' welfare every year-why should it have to foot the bill for the council as well?"

He revealed how the delays were putting great pressure on the veterans, on the Legion and other voluntary groups who have been called in.

He said he knew social services had financial problems, but the lack of council service was putting great financial strain on the voluntary bodies who felt forced to step in.

Clr Ken Smith, for Ashbrow, said: "This is the first time I have heard of such a lengthy delay, and I was shocked, as were all the other councillors.

"For many years there has been a statutory duty on councils to assess the needs of any disabled person.

"Though they have got themselves into a severe financial mess, money cannot be an excuse to avoid giving this service as a legal right.

"Delays of this magnitude should not be tolerated - it is an example of poor administration by the department."

Kirklees Council's social services has overspent by up to £7m this year.

Clr Deryck Hillas, Chair of the committee, moved a vote to refer the complaint for investigation by the council's scrutiny arm.

The committee also called for Clr Dennis Hullock, Cabinet member responsible for health and social care, to be notified.