SOCIAL care costs in Calderdale are rising – and people who paid nothing will soon face a charge.

Calderdale Council says it is bringing in “fairer charges” for its care services.

And the council admits it needs to make budget savings and protect frontline services.

Some of the 40% of users who pay no charge at all because their financial resources are too low will be affected.

Current subsidised day care costs are £19.33 on average per week, but with zero subsidy it could rise to £45.11.

Direct payments could rise from £53.75 to £57.37 and home care could rise from £54.90 to £66.29 without any subsidy.

Currently Calderdale care costs are the lowest in West Yorkshire – with a maximum charge of £204 a week.

Kirklees fees are based on the actual cost of care rather than subsidised and are £428 per week. Bradford had no maximum charge, Wakefield charges a maximum of £402 and Leeds is set at £210.

Both Calderdale and Leeds introduce a charge only after 15% and 10% respectively of disposable income is disregarded.

The maximum cost to the council for caring from some people is up to £1,065.84 per week, however, the council is proposing to set a maximum charge of £380 per week.

Clr Bob Metcalfe, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Social Care, said: “The present policy is too complex.

“Our new proposals will bring Calderdale more into line with neighbouring authorities, but still with the second lowest charges.

“We are completely committed to providing quality services for local people.

“Income from charges is vital to help meet that aspiration in this very tough financial climate.”

The review needs to take place due to the Government-led changes to personal care budgets.

However, the council admits it also needs to raise costs to make £4.5m worth of savings in the adult social care budget by 2016.

With a growing aging population, the authority needs to act now, saying increasing costs will protect frontline services.

The council’s report says: “Over the coming years there are expected to be significant budget pressures in adult social care due to demographic pressures from a rapidly growing number of older people, particularly those aged over 75 and an increase in the number of adults with learning disabilities.

“In addition, the Government’s deficit reduction programme continues to put pressure on the council’s finances.

“By increasing charging income, there is an opportunity to mitigate the impact of budget reductions on frontline services.

“The public have indicated through a major consultation exercise carried out in 2010 that they support increases in charges if they help to protect services.”

Any changes need the approval of full council later this month.