THE planned increase in care fees for city residents will have a huge impact.

Around a quarter of those who receive adult social care will be affected. Most of them will see an annual increase in fees up to £1,000, but some will pay as much as £3,000 more.

The changes proposed by the city council will affect older people and those with dementia and disabilities.

The hike will affect day centres, home care and transport, and will be subject to a means test.

Until recently, there were no charges for day care centres. Now, it will be £5 a day. Other changes will see home care go up to £12.50 an hour, but it could be as high as £17.50 for those people with dementia.

As we report today, some families are faced with huge bills. One couple from Clifton will see their charges rise to £1,762 a month, an increase of more than £500.

We can understand the couple's anger and concern. After scrimping all their lives to leave something for their children, the couple will now see their savings eroded to meet the additional payment.

Others, who have not saved, will receive similar care without having to pay the charge.

This goes to the heart of the debate about adult social care which is only now beginning in this country.

With an aging population the cost of care is increasing rapidly. Councils are struggling to keep up and there is a clear need for the system to fund adult social care to be overhauled.

This can only be done at a national level, and politicians need to put aside their party political differences and work out how it will be done.

A new system may avoid the unfairness now experienced by some.

But in the meantime, public sector spending cuts continue to hit older people and those with disabilities in the city.