The cost to Southend Council of providing vital home care services could rise by 3.6 per cent.

Executive councillors have backed plans to increase the amount paid to companies who supply personal care services to the elderly and infirm.

The price of residential and nursing care for older people is also set for a 2.5 per cent rise for residents placed since September 1, 1997.

However, it is not proposed that the increase will be passed on to the people who use the various care services.

Director of social services, Jane Held said: "Southend social services spends around £6million of its budget purchasing a range of home care and residential and nursing care services for older people from the independent sector.

"At this time of year, we are obliged to consider whether to uplift the declared prices for these services.

"The purpose of any uplift is to compensate the people who provide the services for the effects of inflation and any legislative requirements placed on them."

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