Nearly half a million older people risk being deprived of vital financial help this year as a result of "swingeing" cuts to advice services, it was claimed today.

Age Concern said 80% of their centres have suffered slashed funding from local authorities, with the latest reductions biting in the new financial year.

As a result, some 480,000 people who come to the charity could risk either not being helped or receiving a reduced service that may not meet their needs, Age Concern warned.

Last year, the organisation's information services helped put £100 million of money benefits into the pockets of older people, the charity said.

But a survey of outlets across the country found that four in every five believe they have suffered from local authority funding cuts in either the last or current financial year.

Gordon Lishman, director of Age Concern, said: "Our advisers provide a lifeline for over half a million older people each year.

"Older people trust us because we are independent, provide face-to-face advice and understand their concerns.

"It beggars belief that swingeing cuts in information and advice services are being allowed to place the health, well-being and dignity of so many older people at risk."

The charity today launched The Price of No Advice campaign and an accompanying report to highlight the impact of funding cuts.

It also called for a new cross-government strategy to develop a more co-ordinated approach to providing and funding advice services.