PLANS to introduce a highly unpopular care charge were shelved until next year following a heated row on Tuesday (November 13).

Harrow Council's ruling Labour group revealed that no final decision will be made until after budget discussions in February, prompting Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Chris Noyce to urge Labour to admit it has made a mistake over Band Five and 'bury' the issue once and for all.

Carers and support organisations were angered by the proposals when they were first brought to light in the summer, fearing the impact it would have on the borough's elderly and disabled population.

For those with savings of £18,5000 or more, a new charge was proposed of £9 per hour for those who receive care in their own homes, up to a maximum of £288 a week.

The proposals were originally agreed as part of the Council Tax rise/budget cuts package put forward last Spring for residents' consultation.

Tory councillors continued to argue on Tuesday night that the proposed charge would threaten many users' independence. Currently, the maximum amount payable is just £27.

However, a motion by Tory councillors Eric Silver and Clive Scowen to bin Band 5 referred to Tuesday night's Cabinet meeting from the Full Council on October 4 was rejected by the Labour majority.

Conservative Cllr Adrian Knowles had also called upon the council to apologise to carers and their charges.

"This year we have already seen the scandalous attack on the war pensioners which was reversed. Now we have seen the Band 5 charge," he said.

"Labour's vision for Harrow was about protecting services affecting the elderly, the poor and the disabled. But this attacks those of Harrow's residents who wish to maintain their self-respect and who wish to retain their independence by having home care."

But Labour portfolio holder for social services, Cllr Margaret Davine, said consultation is still taking place on the issue.

"All the concerns brought up by the consultation will be taken into account and the decision will be fair," she added.

A spokesman for Harrow Association of Disabled People said: "We will wait to see the outcome of the consultation."

By.Rachel Clarke