WEST Sussex social services has been warned its care for the young and elderly could suffer as it is forced to meet stringent Government low-spending targets.

Downing Street

has slashed payments to the county by £13 million over the last two years and staff at West Sussex

say any further squeeze could result in cutting

services.

It has been suggested residents' council tax bills would have to rise to sustain the present quality of care.

The amount of money available to West Sussex social services over the next year will be £120 million, compared to £117 million in 1999-2000.

Barry Mack, chairman

of the West Sussex social

services committee said because of the £13m

cut in previous years, the increase for the next year is not nearly enough to sustain the level of services currently on offer.

He said: "The stark reality is we are being forced to reduce the number of placements in residential and nursing homes.

"It also means we

are unable to purchase additional care services for

children. We have made our case to Whitehall civil servants and Minister of State for Health John Hutton and stressed the impact Government funding is having on

the people who live in West Sussex."

The committee said it

could not rule out an increase in council tax to sustain

services.

The money available to spend on funding places for old people in residential homes has fallen by 11 per cent in one year.

This means the council

is operating a "one in,

one out" system, under

which elderly people can

only be transferred from

hospital or home when a residential bed becomes

available.

Mr Mack added: "It is recognised West Sussex social services has made, and continues to make, significant progress in a number of key areas, despite extreme difficulties.

"This is particularly so at the frontline of care in this area."

Mr Mack has asked the Government to consult directly with West Sussex County Council over policy the next time funding is reviewed.

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