It could take 18 months to review home care for hundreds of vulnerable people expected to lose the service in a Bradford Council shake-up.

The revelation follows last month's decision to raise the threshold for adult social care to cut costs.

Those with "moderate" needs would no longer be eligible under the revised system, which had been due to come into force on Monday.

The introduction has now been put on hold, and the social care improvement committee will debate the matter at its next meeting on Tuesday.

Councillor Amir Hussain, chairman of the committee, said: "The Committee wants to ensure vulnerable people, their families and carers are able to access appropriate levels of support.

"It's important then that we are able to hear their concerns about the proposals, so we have as much evidence and information as possible on which to base our recommendations."

He also called on elderly and vulnerable people and their representatives to make their voices heard.

"I would urge people who might be affected, or their carers, families and organisations that represent them, to attend the meeting," he said.

Since a review in 2003, Bradford has met social care needs classed as moderate, substantial or critical.

It followed strict Government guidance aimed at addressing a "postcode lottery" across the country.

Most authorities now refuse to pay for those with moderate needs.

According to a report to the committee, the Council "has struggled to meet all assessed needs within reasonable timescales, within available resources and in ways that could best guarantee the quality of the services provided".

Estimates put the number of people that would no longer be eligible for help from the Council at about 675. It would take up to 18 months' to review their cases before a change can be made in the service they receive.

There are more than 100 voluntary groups which could be primed to bridge the gap, some of which already receive Council funding.

If the threshold is not raised, it would cost the Council £1.7 million a year - against an expected £1.3 million overspend - which could force a further increase in charges.

The committee can either leave the original decision unchanged, refer it back to the executive making recommendations or refer it to the full council for debate.

e-mail: jo.winrow@bradford.newsquest.co.uk