A BLIND Poole pensioner facing an increase of more than 100 per cent for her husband's day centre care has called the increase "a kick in the teeth."

The 76-year-old, who didn't want to be named, has accused Borough of Poole of penalising elderly people who have saved all their lives.

Those with more than the £21,500 threshold in the bank will pay full fees from July under changes to social care charging.

The pensioner is a carer for her 85-year-old disabled husband, who spends two mornings a week and Saturdays at a day centre in Poole, and uses council transport.

Under the new Fairer Charging' scheme, his fees will rise from £17.70 to £39.30 - eating into the couple's savings, which they also use to pay for respite care.

She told the Echo: "That to me is quite scandalous. I would never advise any young people to save for their old age - you end up paying for it."

She added: "I never would begrudge anyone not paying, but the charges are going to double. Our pension isn't going to double by any means.

"I do feel the council is doing the dirty on us. This is really a kick in the teeth."

Geoff Colvin, principal officer for adult social care and wellbeing, at Borough of Poole, said: "The increase in charge levels for 2008/9 is essential if the council is to maintain its current eligibility criteria and continue to deliver high quality services.

"Individual charge levels are based on a financial assessment that determine how much people can afford to pay.

"This approach is likely to result in a number of people being charged less than previously. However, people with savings in excess of £21,500 are expected to pay the full charge. All day service users have been advised that the new charging arrangements will not be introduced until July to ensure that all Fairer Charging financial assessments have been carried out first and nobody pays more than they should."