CHARGES for day care help in Swindon will soon be rising in some cases by more than 10 times the current rate.

Coun Jemima Milton (Con, Chiseldon and Wroughton), lead member for social services, told the council cabinet last night that the 60p fee (including transport) for day centre attendance was "totally unrealistic".

Next year the charge will go up by a mere 5p, but in the following budget it could be as high as £8 a day.

"This would merely bring us in line with charges levied by most other boroughs," said Coun Milton.

"Our rates are among the lowest in the entire country and are just not viable.

"As for people receiving care in their own homes, any increase will only match inflation and reflect the cost of living."

Keith Skerman, the director of social services, said: "These changes will form an important part of our budget for next year.

"It must be borne in mind that three quarters of the people benefiting from these services are exempt from any payment."

It was agreed that these proposals should be looked into further through a consultation process.

Mr Skerman warned: "Without sufficient income derived from charging, many services would be unable to continue to be provided to the extent or level as at present, unless other sources of income were significantly increased.

"Any new scale of charges will need to ensure that they continue to be fair and equitable, being based upon the person's ability to pay."

For adult, non-residential care services the council has discretion as to the extent and level of charges it makes, but not when it comes to residential homes.

The charges for residential care homes are governed by national guidelines, leaving the council no scope for pruning.