The move will save £3.6m in its social services department.

Councillors also decided to stop free transport for people to and from day centres and increase charges for meals.

The council admitted it was reducing services, but added it had been one of the few authorities left in England and Wales still providing low-level care.

Concerns

Care services for people in the county are assessed as low, moderate, severe and critical. Every hour of home care costs the council £13.

The cuts could affect about 7,000 people around the county.

Nigel Walker, county council executive member for adult services, said it was hoped the voluntary and independent sector would pick-up the needs of those requiring low-level care.