A NORTH YORKSHIRE support service for vulnerable people is facing Government funding cuts of almost £1million.

The Supporting People service provides housing-related support to people across the county, ranging from fitting an alarm system for people in sheltered accommodation, helping people with learning disabilities to helping women flee domestic violence.

The Government announced a five per cent reduction nationally on the Supporting People allocation, down from £1.8 billion for 2004/05.

The North Yorkshire service's central Government grant is being cut by £957,000.

Richard Pick, chair of North Yorkshire's Supporting People Commissioning Body, said further cuts were expected, and strong representations would be made to the Government about the impact they will have on services in North Yorkshire.

He said: "Our aim will be to ensure, along with service providers, that vulnerable service users are protected while efficiencies are made."

Updated: 12:00 Saturday, January 15, 2005