A DECISION which could mean 3,500 elderly and disabled and chronically ill people paying more for their home care help has been put on hold.

Kent County Council says the decision, which was due to have been made this week is to be delayed because opposition county councillors want to quiz social services chiefs about the controversial proposals in a fortnight.

It means an anxious wait of for those who fear they face higher bills for help such as meals-on-wheels to pay carers to help with activities like washing and dressing.

KCC wants to increase charges in a bid to save £628,000. To do so, it plans to give greater weight to the amount of disposable income individuals have when calculating how much they should pay for home help.

Contributions to the costs of care are currently based on 65 per cent of available income; that is to rise to between 80 and 85 per cent of available income.

The increase would hit an estimated 3,500 people although KCC has insisted any possible increases will be capped over three years to help cushion the blow.

Cllr Kevin Lynes (Con), KCC's cabinet member for adult services, said: "I can see no reason to take the decision now when opposition councillors have asked for it to be 'called in' and examined at the next policy scrutiny committee meeting."

That committee has the formal power to examine key county council policy decisions, effectively preventing them from being implemented.

It is due to meet on September 26.