PEOPLE with learning disabilities may be charged for using council services following a proposed review.

Darlington Borough Council's adult social care is preparing a review of funding, which includes the use of personal budgets.

The proposals were discussed by members of the council's health and well being scrutiny committee during a debate on the public spending cuts.

The full proposals, which include a review of the support living service for people with a learning disability, will be considered by another meeting of the committee on Tuesday.

Members of the committee yesterday discussed the impact of cuts on health services in the town.

Their conclusions will be put forward to the council's cabinet group next month as part of the ongoing review of next year's budget.

Councillor Heather Scott asked for food sampling work, which is carried out by trading standards, to be maintained.

Current proposals are to cut back the service.

Councillor David Regan asked for more publicity of an environmental health service to catch rats. Proposals are to maintain its service without charge because imposing a charge may stop people using it and exacerbate the problem of rodents.

The personalised budgets for people with learning disabilities will also be discussed by cabinet.

Tuesday's health and well being meeting takes place in the town hall at 9.30am. It is open to the public.