A MOVE to increase charges for non-residential care for elderly and disabled people has caused a fierce backlash.

Lancashire County Council are now consulting on increasing charges by up to 14.6 per cent for the vulnerable who want to live at home surrounded by their friends and family.

The county council-run services include home care, outreach services, day care, direct payment and personal budget services, supported living, and the Shared Lives Scheme.

Under the plans, the current hourly charge of £11.96 will be increased to £13.71 (14.6 per cent), with this being a Pan Lancashire average cost.

Council chiefs said that of the 5,694 people paying for non-residential care services, 92 per cent would see an increase in care charges of less than £20 per week.

For more than 4,000 people, this increase would be less than £10 a week.

However, the move has come under fire with community leaders accusing the authority of ‘pricing out some of our counties elderly and disabled residents.’

Cllr Noordad Aziz, who represents the Netherton ward on Hyndburn Council, said: “When Adult Social Care requires a national direction and policy it appears the Lancashire Conservatives are pricing out some of our county's elderly and disabled residents in able to lead an independent life in the comfort of their own home.

“I urge all resident to ave their say and send a clear message after seven years of austerity, it is time for another direction and not price out individuals who require the service the most.”

Fellow Hyndburn councillor Bernadette Parkinson said: “I think it’s important that people who are potentially impacted by this charge increase, contact the county council and express their concerns as this appears to again be placing the burden on those who can least afford it and also impact on people who are elderly or have a disability.”

But Lancashire County Council said charges were last reviewed in 2011 and that costs have risen by over 14 per cent since then.

Cllr Graham Gooch, cabinet member for adult and community services, said: “The rates we currently charge people are based on 2011 figures and since that time costs have risen by over 14 per cent. Given the county council’s current financial position this situation can’t continue.

“Under these proposals, as with our current policy, people would only be charged according to their ability to pay for their non-residential care.

An eight-week week consultation period will begin on December 15, ending on February 9.

The new charges are then expected to come into place on April 1 next year.

Residents can have their say by either email or on an online questionnaire.