A local authority has apologised after a paralysed grandad living in a nursing home was left paying for his council flat despite not living there.

Peter Badger, 64, from Millbrook, was left paralysed from the neck down after suffering two aneurysms, leaving him only able to move his fingers.

He continued paying £350 in rent for the property, in Brendon Green, with Universal Credit covering the rest.

Grandfather-of-three Peter was unable to end the tenancy himself because he cannot speak, leaving his daughters, Amber, 32, and Lara, 40, struggling to resolve the situation.

At one point a council representative suggested that Peter could blink to confirm his decision.

Amber said:  “I just thought was so disrespectful. I get that’s the law and they needed to hear it from, but he can’t speak.

"There was no sensitivity. Thankfully the care home said no straight away.”

Southampton City Council has now apologised for the delay after the Daily Echo contacted the authority.

A spokesperson said: "We apologise for the delay in reviewing this request, and we will be reviewing our procedures.

"We will work with Mr Badger and his family to move the situation forward and apologise for any distress caused."

Peter Badger, with his grandchildren: Alfie and James Peter Badger, with his grandchildren: Alfie and James (Image: Provided) Peter first had surgery following his first aneurysm on October 9 having  been rushed to A&E with severe headaches and vomiting while attending a Peter Kay show atWembley.

Although he showed initial signs of recovery, a second aneurysm on October 19 at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London led to paralysis on his right side and breathing difficulties, requiring intubation.

By the end of October, shunt surgery resulted in full paralysis from the neck down.

Amber applied for power of attorney in January to manage her father’s finances and end his tenancy, but the process was slow.

In June, he was moved to Fryers House nursing home in Romsey and in July, Amber contacted the council to explain Peter's situation and his intent to end the tenancy.

She was told the council needed confirmation directly from Peter.

Two sisters complained to the council when a worker suggest he blink to confirm the end of his tenancy.Peter Badger, 64Peter Badger, 64 (Image: Provided)

The family had been left in limbo. But when the Echo contacted the authority on Friday, the council contacted the sisters to let them know the tenancy would be terminated.

Lara said: "I am super happy this has finally ended. I am so pleased for dad that we will be able to move forward to build a life for dad in the care home.

"However, it shouldn't have had to come to this. We shouldn't have had to get the Echo involved. What if dad didn't have us?"

A spokesperson for Southampton City Council said:  “Southampton City Council was first made aware Mr Badger was not living in Brendon Green in July and had moved into a care home and wanted to end his tenancy. 

"We apologise for the delay in reviewing this request, and we will be reviewing our procedures.

"We will work with Mr Badger and his family to move the situation forward and apologise for any distress caused".