CIVIC chiefs have been forced into an embarrassing U-turn over plans to backdate increases in care charges for the elderly.

Southampton City Council social services bosses caused outrage among the 1,000 pensioners who received letters warning that the rises would be backdated to April.

Older people's groups were also shocked by the plans particularly as those affected had not been warned about changes or given a chance to challenge them.

City council chiefs had intended to send out letters about the changes in April, but complications meant they were not actually delivered until June.

One of those worried was 85-year-old widow Olive Taylor, who had vowed not to pay the backdated charges even if they were imposed.

Mistake Today though, Mrs Taylor was celebrating after council chiefs backed down and admitted their mistake.

Olive, who lives in Sholing and has four children and nine grandchildren, has used the Weston Court Day Care Centre ever since her husband died ten years ago, and also received daily help washing and weekly help managing her home.

Until April her care package cost her £45.92 a month, paid from her pension of around £800 a month.

The new charges, though, would have seen her charge increase to £81.80 a month. She said: "It was totally unfair to ask people for the money back especially pensioners who only live off their little pensions.

"To be honest, I wasn't going to pay the backdated charges anyway, as I didn't think they were fair, so I'm delighted the council has backtracked on its backdating."

John Beer, the council's director of communities, health and care, said administrative errors had led to the letters not being sent out in time and so service users had not been properly informed of the changes.

Apology He told those affected: "We will therefore not be introducing the new scheme until we have done this, giving sufficient time for a re-assessment to take place where necessary. I apologise for any problems this may have caused you. We will ensure that you will not be financially disadvantaged by what we propose to do."

The council claims it needs to raise the cost of care packages such as washing, dressing, and shopping after receiving less money from the government to cover costs.

The new charges are now expected to come into force in August, with the first bills sent out at the start of September.

A council spokeswoman said: "Customers who have been notified of an increase in their new care charges will not have the amount backdated to April. The new charges, once agreed with individuals, will take effect from August 14. This process will provide time for everyone to review the way their charges has been calculated and if they wish to consider other options for the care they receive.

"Those notified of a reduction in their charges will have the lower amount honoured."