THE man in charge of Southampton's social care services last night promised a full review into a billing fiasco that has meant 1,400 people receiving no bills for the past three months.

In an emergency statement Tory Councillor Ivan White, revealed he had been forced to suspend all billing for personal social care services because of computer problems.

It had resulted in "inaccurate bills" being produced.

He told fellow councillors the problems started at the end of September and were costing the council about £80,000 a month in lost income.

Cllr White, Cabinet member for adult care services, urged those affected - mainly elderly and disabled people - to keep paying as normal to avoid mounting debts. Adjustments would be made later for any over or under payments.

A "flexible and sympathetic approach" would also be made for those having difficulties making repayments when new bills were issued, he said.

Cllr White insisted services would not be "adversely affected" but could not say how long it would take to fix the billing. He blamed the merger of two computer systems. He said: "I am very sorry that this problem has arisen. It is a priority for me and this Cabinet to resolve this issue, and our officers are working extremely hard to ensure that there is as little disruption to service users as possible.

"Undeniably there will be lessons to be learned from the current situation and the issues from which it arose, when the time is appropriate. I am keen to look into this thoroughly and conduct a full review."

Asked why he had not gone public earlier Cllr White said: "The reason I've not brought it earlier is we've had many false dawns as to when it would be corrected. I cannot guarantee when it will be resolved."

Cllr White said he expected all the bills would be collected and that the council would not lose money.

In light of the problems red-faced Tory leaders were forced to withdraw a proposed ten per cent hike in care services contained in their draft budget for next year.

Councillor Jacqui Rayment, Labour adult care spokesman, said it was the third time in recent years - under all three political parties - that the council's billing system had run into problems.

"It does seem such a simple thing to sort out," she said.

The council has written to all those affected with a telephone number for information and support.