CHARGES for home care are set to rise as Bury Council struggles to balance its budget.

Bosses say they have had to carry out an "urgent review" of fees which people pay for meals-on-wheels and services to support them at home.

They blame a poor financial settlement from the Government, but add that the charges have been traditionally much lower than the cost of providing the services.

The proposals will see the hourly home care rate increasing from £9.60 to £10, with changes in the maximum amount someone can pay. Transport to day care centres will go up from £2.50 to £3 for a return journey. Lunches provided at home, and at day centres, will increase from £2.25 to £2.75, while the new teatime service will remain at £1.70. The Carelink service will go up from £2.64 a week to £3.

The move will generate an extra £80,000 per year: at present, charges bring in £411,000.

Some 1,619 people currently receive home care and the figure is likely to rise as more people are being encouraged to remain in their own home rather than in an institution. Around 650 people, after being means tested, receive a free service, and bosses say that they will continue to do so.

The proposals will be considered as part of the overall council 2006/07 budget, which goes to executive next Wednesday and full council on February 22. If approved, the charges will rise from April 1.

Letters detailing the proposed increases have already been sent to service users. The council says it will look at people who receive more than one service and try to maximise the benefits they can claim.

l The council is also shaking up the way home care services are provided by changing staff working patterns.

Bosses say this will increase the number of available services, including extending the service hours over seven days.

However, council "cuts proposals" circulated earlier this year highlights the possibility of saving £500,000 a year through a "review" of the in-house service.