Pensioners and the disabled are among those who could face means testing as part of an overhaul of social services charging in Southend.

Councillors have provisionally backed moves to introduce the new system, based on a client's ability to pay.

Currently, the borough charges one flat rate for most services and income isn't taken into account.

This means the fee stays the same for everyone, regardless of savings.

Director of social services Jane Held insisted the shake-up was designed to simplify the system, minimise costs and introduce a fairer payment policy for clients.

A similar scheme was vehemently opposed when it was introduced in the rest of Essex.

Ms Held said: "The Government expects all local authorities to charge service users for social services.

"The rules on charges for people in residential care are set by the Government, but it is up to the local authority to decide how to charge for the rest.

"The system we have at present does not relate to people's ability to pay and does not meet the council's objectives well."

Other social services charges could also face an increase - meals on wheels is due to rise from £1.85 to £2.

Fees could also be set for transport to day centres and other social services buildings, though clients may be given an all-in-one payment system.

In a move suggested by councillor Verina Wilson (Con, Shoebury), clients would be given the option of paying the transport fee as part of their entire care package.

This means people who do not use council transport would not face a charge.

Equipment loaned to give clients independence and special adaptations to the home could also face a charge in the future.

Ms Held said: "I must stress that all services will continue to be heavily subsidised.

"My officers are recommending a policy that means nobody will be expected to pay more than it costs us to provide a service.

"For the majority, the charge will be substantially less than the service costs.

"We will also be ensuring that anyone who is likely to be charged is given full benefits advice to help to claim all the benefits they are entitled to before we assess them for a charge."

Southend Council's social services committee has agreed to use the proposals as a basis for consultation from the end of July through to August.

It has reserved its right to review the plans in the light of the consultation.

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