Row over sourcing of cheaper alert alarms for the elderly

A state-funded charity has been criticised for tendering for cheaper alert alarms for elderly people which have a shorter distance range and battery life.

The monitored alarms are worn around the necks of elderly people living alone and used by them to seek help if they slip, trip or have a medical emergency in their house.

But the job of buying the alarms, which was previously carried out by 500 community and volunteer ...