A special hotline will be open today for people forced to fork out for day care and other charges.

Some of the new charges - for disability car badges, equipment and adaptions - came into force on December 1.

However, the new £2 charge for meals-on-wheels and meals in day centres comes into effect today while day and home care charges will be introduced from January 31 after the person's needs and ability to pay are assessed.

The phone line aims to help people who need assistance filling in the assessment forms for home and day care services.

It will be available from today until January 28, although it will be closed over the Christmas and New Year period.

The number to call for anyone who needs advice on filling the assessment forms is 01702 534545 and staff will be able to answer queries between 9.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

The decision to charge for some services has come under fire from opposition councillors as well as disabled and elderly groups.

However, councillor Chris Dandridge (Lab, Victoria) said: "It is important to recognise that some form of charging is necessary to enable us to maintain our level of service.

"I believe that the charging policy will ensure a much fairer approach to charging and that no-one will be expected to pay more that it costs to provide a service."

People who are dependent on income support and or a lower rate disability allowance, will only pay for meals and disability car badges.

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