A disabled campaign group has accused Greenwich Council of making “the poorest and neediest” in the community even poorer through care charge hikes.

Greenwich Disabled People Against Cuts has been established in response to a recent council consultation to fees and charges paid for care.

Campaigners say increases would plunge some of the neediest people in the borough into unbearable financial circumstances, with some not being able to avoid their care.

Greenwich Council has pointed the finger at government cuts forcing them to drive charges up, with £100m sliced from the authority’s budget since 2010.

For Greenwich resident Anne Novis, who uses a wheelchair, there are other ways to claw back cash that would not impact a vulnerable community.

The chair of Inclusion London, Anne has been commended for her work supporting the disabled community and was awarded and MBE for her services to disabled people.

Anne, who has four personal assistants and eight hours of care a day, said that the changes would mean she could barely afford one hour of vital help a day.

She said: “I am 63 – my money has got to last- I wouldn’t be able to afford them at all. I would be down to minimal care provision – probably one hour a day. I would have to make my PA’s redundant.”

Payments to disabled people have been frozen for many years, and Anne said many are struggling to keep up with inflation as it is.

“The poor will become poorer. They are going to charge the most needy people in the borough because of the cuts. This council needs to look at its spending. Their priorities are wrong and for a Labour council I expect better.”

The proposed changes include upping the rate of homecare, introducing a fee for arranging care, and charging for “client support” services.

The council is also considering introducing a delivery charge for community meals – similar to meals on wheels – charging for care in sheltered housing and supported living accommodation and for its community alarm service.

Disabled People Against Cuts has suggested the council dip into its reserves to claw back cash, or even up parking charges.

“They have £15m in reserves – they put into reserves every year you add to them. We are ask them to use 5 per cent for those usable reserves that would cover half the money they need to find. Or put up parking charges – everyone wouldn’t mind paying more if it’s helping social care.

“We will keep protesting, hopefully take legal action and make them see sense as a Labour council that they can do things differently.  £1.5m off the backs of the poorest who are most in need of support and care.”

Up to 3,900 people could be affected by the proposed changes, which the council said are a result of a cut in government funding, rising costs and more people with complex needs.

Cabinet member for adult’s social care and health, Averil Lekau, told the LDR service: “Since 2010, our funding has reduced by a staggering £1,400 per household, totalling some £125 million, largely as a result of funding that the Government has taken away from us. At the same time, the population has grown, and more people have had to use our adult social care services. Many other councils have already increased the amount they are charging – something we have resisted for years.

“Unfortunately, we are at the end of the line and have to make some incredibly difficult decisions. However, whatever changes are brought in, we will make sure that there will be rigorous assessments so that the people who are least able to afford any increases are protected.

“I note that the new Prime Minister has pledged to fix the social care crisis – I very much hope that this means putting an end to austerity and giving councils the money they need to provide crucial services for their most vulnerable residents.”