ELDERLY people in County Durham could have to pay more than £500 extra a year towards their social care costs.

Durham County Council has approved plans to reduce the amount of income people are left with after being charged for non-residential care and support as part of an attempt to save £800,000 over three years.

An analysis by the authority, done last year, found the move will hit pensioners the hardest – costing single people aged over 65 up to £530.40 a year and couples aged over 65 up to £401.96 a year.

Those aged between 25 and 64 would lose less.

The council has calculated that someone in that age bracket in receipt of employment and support allowance (ESA) could have to pay an extra £18.20 a year.

The council carried out a consultation on the proposals but only ten people responded to the proposed options.

However all ten, who did partake in the consultation, described the changes as unfair, with some respondents suggesting it would leave people on low incomes more disadvantaged.

Councillor Lucy Hovvels, the authorities cabinet member for adult and health services, said: “It’s important that existing recipients are not affected.

“I was disappointed there was a low response to the consultation. A wider consultation on the council’s approach did include reference to changes in charges which was supported by 78 per cent of people.

“Support is offered to those who receive non-residential services. Advice will be given to help service users maximise their income taken into account.”

Cllr Alan Napier, the council’s deputy leader, said: “It’s important to recognise these changes will apply to new clients and are in line with the Department of Health.”

The change, which comes into effect in April, brings the council in line with guidance issued by the Department of Health and will only affect new service users.

The council currently gives people a 25 per cent buffer on top of the guaranteed minimum income, which it is proposing should be reduced to 18.6 per cent.

Sixty per cent of the 6,380 people currently receiving the service are aged 65 or over, while 41 per cent have learning disabilities, mental health problems or physical disabilities.