by political editor Paul Francis

Social care chiefs have confirmed a hike in charges for care support.

The move will see about 5,000 people paying more for home help - such as help with bathing, meals and shopping.

Opposition parties unsuccessfully tried to block the plans at a meeting this week, saying the money KCC says it would save should be found elsewhere.

The increase in fees will raise an extra £2.9m for the authority and follows a wide-ranging consultation that saw many express their concerns over the proposals.

More than 6,700 people responded to the consultation.

Labour said the hike would see some elderly residents facing increases in their costs of up to 35% and urged the Conservative administration to set a cap of 5% to take account of rising fuel and food prices.

Under the changes, KCC will increase the amount of available income taken into account when working out a person’s charge from 85% to 100%.

There will also be reduction in the money allocated for people living with a disability from £21 to £17 a week.

In addition, KCC plans to introduce charges for those who use mental health services for the first time.

Speaking after the decision today, KCC Cabinet member for adult social care, Graham Gibbens, said: "These changes have always been about making sure that the council supports as many people as possible.

"I believe that making tough decisions, such as this one, is part of what shows that KCC is committed to doing the right thing.

"I know that many people will be concerned about this decision and what will happen as a result of it.

"However, there is a lot of flexibility in the way it will be put in place. Anyone with any concerns about their new charges can ask us to look again at their situation to make sure we have got it right. No one will be asked to pay more than an assessment shows they can afford."

About 6,000 people who already qualify for care would be unaffected as they already either pay all the costs or qualify for free care.