SOME social services charges are rising by up to 50 per cent under plans to make the better-off contribute more.

The price for going to a Bournemouth day centre will rise from £5 a time to £7.50 for those affluent enough to pay the top rate.

The maximum charge for social services transport will rise by 43 per cent to £2.50.

Meals on wheels, or a meal at day centres, will go up 40 per cent to £3.50 and home care by 35 per cent to £3.50 an hour.

The maximum weekly charge to a client will rise 16.7 per cent to £50.

Bournemouth Borough Council introduced a new charging policy last year in response to government requirements.

It is working towards basing charges on the real cost of providing the service.

Judith Geddes, head of community care services, said the first steps had been taken in 2003.

She said: "Because it was such a huge change, we didn't want to introduce it all in one go. It was a reduced charge that was introduced last year and everyone was made aware that it would be increased to take account of that this year."

She said most service users were not eligible to pay the full rate.

The council has joined with the Department of Work and Pensions to advise people on benefits at the same time as means testing them for social services charges.

The initiative has helped locals claim almost £1 million extra in benefits.

Cllr Bill Mason, the Liberal Democrat council's cabinet member for caring for people, said people who could afford to pay would still not be paying the full cost of services.

"Some of these things are a fraction of the cost," he said.

He added: "This is an overdue step.

"It's been in train for a long time and it's not a cause of concern for anybody."

First published: April 26