Care services in Leicester are facing cuts because of a £5 million funding shortfall.

Social services director Andrew Cozens has warned that cuts and higher charges must be considered next month.

Two weeks ago, the Government unveiled its latest funding settlement for Leicester City Council.
Social services claims it has been underfunded by the Government for several years, with the council having to top up 10 per cent of its budget with its own cash.

The department cares for vulnerable children and adults by funding a wide range of services, including home carers, adoption and fostering, care homes and voluntary groups which run their own schemes.

Mr Cozens has now warned of a £5 million Government funding shortfall in his £100 million-per year department.

Social services is under pressure because of growing demand for services to frail elderly and disabled people and for people who have moved from other European Union countries.

Mr Cozens said: "The situation is difficult but it is not impossible.
"Options need to be considered, like delivering services more efficiently, increasing charges or reducing service provision."

Age Concern's deputy director, Greg Drozdz, warned against cuts to services for the elderly. He said: "Although the council does a lot for elderly people, such services are seen as Cinderella services and prime targets for cuts. We would ask strongly that there are as few cuts as possible."

Andy Morris, of Thurnby Lodge, said: "I'm disabled and I'm worried that any cuts to social services will affect people like me.
"I rely on carers to visit me in the morning and in the evening to give my wife a break."

Local Government Minister Nick Raynsford said Leicester and other councils had been treated fairly.
He said: "The Government is continuing to deliver a real increase in grant to local authorities. In total, there has been a 25 per cent real terms funding increase since 1997. This is good news for local government and good news for the communities they serve."

Other council departments were already considering proposals to cut £2 million and increase council tax by five per cent. The news from social services may affect these calculations.

Financial strategy manager Graham Feek said: "The council is looking at how to deal with the extra pressures in social services. It isn't clear what the impact of this will be on council tax and cuts to services."

Councillors will take the final decision in March.