Bradford Council is to carry out its long-standing threat to take disabled people to court for non-payment of care charges - with the first summonses being sent out within a fortnight.

Two families are due to receive summonses within the next two weeks to appear before Bradford magistrates.

The action follows the controversial introduction of charges for home care services three years ago which was bitterly opposed by campaigners. Charges range from £2 a week to more than £10 a week depending on what type of help the disabled or elderly person needs.

Since they came in, most people - even those who opposed the charges -have paid up, but a small number of people have refused to pay, in defiance of the local authority. It is not clear whether the court documents will be addressed to the disabled or elderly person in receipt of the care, or their relatives.

But the council is understood to be targeting those who have never paid any charges and have now built up a substantial debt.

Peter Kay, disability services manager, said: "There are only two people due to receive summonses at this time, but there are a number of other people in the district who are also not paying the charges, on a point of principle.

"I understand some people almost want to go to court, to give them a chance to raise this issue. For people like that, we don't have any option. We are concerned that other people might be in genuine financial difficulties and we didn't want them to get swept up in the process.''

But the move has been criticised by disability campaigners and Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe.

"I have been opposed to the charges since they were introduced," Mr Sutcliffe said. "I just think taking them to court is the wrong thing to do.

"And if they really have to do it, they ought to make sure the individuals are getting assistance from support groups. The problem is, the council will not release the names."

Liberal Democrat leader Coun Jeanette Sunderland urged the individuals concerned to contact support groups such as the Friends of Highfield/Lynley, which has fought the introduction of charges.

"I am just concerned that anyone facing a court appearance should be getting proper advice," she said.

The Friends of Highfield/Lynley can be contacted on (01274) 614706 and Coun Sunderland on (01274) 587526.