CARE home owners have welcomed a decision to delay the final verdict on a proposed cut in fees.

They say Wirral Council’s plans to reduce fees by 5%, combined with making no allowance for inflation, would lead to closures of homes across the borough.

Home owners also claim hundreds of elderly residents face being evicted because operators would be forced out of business if the council goes ahead with the cuts.

The council’s cabinet has now extended consultation on the reduction, which would be equivalent to between £18 and £22 per resident per week.

Under the current contract, the council is required to pay an increase of 4.7%.

Michael Vaughan, of Red Rocks care home, in Hoylake, said he was surprised the cabinet deferred its decision, but welcomed the move.

He said: “We were take aback, but nonetheless pleased.

“However, we could be cynical and think they believe fewer people would attend the next meeting, which is the day before Good Friday.

“We are encouraging as many people as possible to be there.

“We must have had around 140 people at the last meeting.” Mr Vaughan was also critical of the decision to remove the fee increase, which would offset inflation.