The cost of care in Blackburn with Darwen will rise from April.

Executive member for health and adult social care, Cllr Brian Taylor, approved proposals to increase fees in line with inflation and fee setting in neighbouring authorities.

The council considers an increase to all fees and charges as part of its budget process each year.

Since 2011/12 the scope of increases to be applied has been delegated to the executive member within each portfolio.

The daily attendance rate for day care is increased by 2.7 per cent from per day to £31.16 to £32.00.

The hourly rate for home care is increased by 4.85 per cent from £12.52 to £13.12.

The rate for meals will rise from £3.35 to £3.45.

But the weekly fee for adult respite care remains at £94.64, while the transport rate is increased by 3.3% from £1.50 to £1.55 contribution per journey.

Cllr Taylor said: "These increases will only impact on those individuals who are self-funding or who are financially assessed as having the resources to pay the full notional cost of the services they receive.

"The value of additional income from these service users is difficult to quantify due to the changing client base and financial circumstances of people that use the council’s social care services.

"Additional income generated through these proposed charges will contribute to the savings target required by portfolios as part of the budget setting process.

"This is an annual review of fees and charges as part of the service area’s need to generate sufficient revenue to meet agreed budget.

"Under-achievement of revenue targets is a risk for the council given the current financial climate."