Charges for adult day care were introduced in July following extensive consultation by Dorset County Council.

The authority said its aim was to provide a fairer system but promised nobody would be charges for services they could not afford, with people given advice and information about claiming welfare benefits they were entitled to.

Previously service users were charged for home care, transport and respite care but not for use of day centres, meaning some had free care while others had to pay.

It is estimated that only 12 per cent of service users will have to pay the full cost of £22.41 for a session at day centres.

Andrew Cattaway, the county council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, said: “It is clearly unfair that people who can afford to pay are charged for care in the home but not for care provided at a day centre.

“People will be assessed according to the Government’s Fairer Charging guidance.

“This takes into account disposable income, savings and allowable expenditure.

“People who have savings in excess of a certain amount are expected to pay for the full cost of their care package and others who can afford it will be asked to contribute towards their care costs.”

A council spokesman added that charges for day centres varied around the country, with some local authorities charging as much as £50 and neighbouring Poole Borough Council charging £39 for a three-hour session.