The social work and health committee agreed to raise the council's home care charge from £4 a week to £11 an hour.

The new policy also includes introducing a £7 charge to its shopping delivery service and a charge of £1 a week for community alarms — both of these services were previously free.

The proposals aimed to bring the Fife rates into line with those of other Scottish councils, which charge between £7 and £13.60 an hour for home care.

People now exempt from personal care services charges will continue to be so, while clients on lower incomes will also be protected by the assessment formula.

Age Concern Cupar chairman Canon Pat McInally said he believed the charges had not risen in years and so were needed now to pay for the services.

"In real terms, if people want a valid service it has to be paid for," he said.

Canon McInally said he hoped the changes would impact on "very, very few people", as many would still be eligible for free services.

"To date, I've not heard of any people who've been affected by this."

Cupar councillor Margaret Kennedy said the decision to raise social care charges was not taken lightly by the local authority administration.

"However, what is most important to us all — and in particular to me as a local councillor, due to my health background — is that we ensure that those most in need will be cared for," she said.

"Whilst I recognise that some people will be worried as to the possible implications of this, I will be ensuring that I make every effort to protect the needs of the vulnerable in my community."