MORE than 800 needy people have written to Kirklees Council to say they are concerned about proposed price hikes to their home care service.

But Kirklees Council says that under new proposals only those who can afford it will be made to pay higher prices for their care.

The proposal to charge higher home care rates for hundreds of people is to be put to councillors at a council Cabinet meeting.

The council’s Director for Wellbeing and Communities, Merran McRae, said: “Following consultation, we are aware people have been anxious about the proposals to change our charging policy.

“More than 800 people returned forms from more than 4,500 which were sent out and this feedback will be considered by councillors when they meet.”

At present people in Kirklees are charged no more than £205 per week for home care services – regardless of how much money they have in savings or from income.

Kirklees Council says this means they are subsidising everyone, including those they deem could afford to pay more.