Public anger has forced Kingston Council to scale back plans to charge people who use home care services up to 100 per cent of their income.

The charges will affect people living at home who need help with everyday tasks, such as washing, showering, dressing and using the toilet.

Campaigners presented a 1,579-signature petition against the increased charges to a council meeting on Tuesday, January 18.

In a debate triggered by the petition, Councillor Penny Shelton said she wanted to reduce the amount of service users’ income taken to 75 per cent.

Other proposals were unaffected, including making people with more than £23,250 in savings pay the full cost of their care and removing the £151.41 weekly cap.

Coun Shelton, executive member for healthy living and vulnerable adults’ services, said: “We want to take the points made so far into account and are mindful we have a massive consultation.

“There are some details to be settled and I hope by the time [the scrutiny panel meeting] comes up on January 25, we should in a position to say we recommend 75 per cent of income is taken.”

The council has blamed Government cuts for the proposals, and figures released this week showed it hoped to raise £900,000 a year from the unamended proposals, while the revised regime could save £800,000.

Lead petitioner Jane Young said: “It is helpful, but the problem is the council is still going to charge people with higher levels of need much more than other people.

“I think it has gone for the concession that will cost the least money.

“As soon as people’s savings hit £23,250 they have to pay the full amount until their savings come back down to £23,250.

“If you have to save for a wheelchair accessible vehicle, that could cost £50,000, so how are you going to do that if any time your savings reach £23,250 you are clobbered for the full cost of your care?”

The proposals will be examined by the council’s scrutiny panel on Tuesday, January 25, where service users, Baroness Campbell of Surbiton and MP Zac Goldsmith are expected to give evidence.