KIRKLEES Council chiefs could be forced to rethink plans for sweeping care cuts after a landmark legal ruling.

A High Court judge has ruled that Birmingham City Council’s decision to scrap care for about 4,000 adults with “substantial” needs was unlawful under the Disability Discrimination Act.

The local authority had been expecting to save £17.5m this year by restricting social care packages only to clients whose needs were “critical”.

Judge Mr Justice Walker’s interim judgement could have ramifications for councils across the country – including Kirklees.

Until this year, it provided care for 11,000 adults with critical or substantial needs.

But, like their counterparts in Birmingham, bosses announced that only those with critical needs would get support from April in a bid to save £6m.

Meltham brothers Barry and Steven Nicholson, who are brain damaged and have autism, are among those who were set to lose out.

The 32-year-old twins currently go to the Bridgewood Trust in Armitage Bridge for six hours three days a week.

Their mother, 62-year-old Marie, welcomed the High Court ruling.

“It sounds like good news,’’ she said. “I would just like to see common sense prevail.