NORTH Yorkshire's bed blocking crisis is set to continue unless more Government funding is made available, says a council chief.

And services for vulnerable children are not expanding to meet demand, according to county social services director Rosemary Archer.

She has detailed a number of major problems with the county's care provision - ones which could worsen unless more cash is made available.

The council has overspent its budget over the last three years - but despite this, Mrs Archer says North Yorkshire spends almost £50 less per head than similar local authorities.

She said unless more money was provided: "Hospital beds will continue to be blocked and service improvements for the elderly will be restricted.

"Continued close management of spending will mean that people in need may have to wait longer either in hospital or at home for a residential and nursing placement.

"It also compounds another difficulty, namely the lack of local placement choice for children looked after by the council.

"In many areas foster homes cannot be found locally and children are often moved substantial distances from their homes."

The problems are set worsen with increased in the demands made on the county council, she added.

"All councils are facing growing demands on their services. The population is ageing. Local authorities are also having to look after more children in need," she said.

But the council is aiming to address the problems.

"We are facing difficulty in finding places in homes at a price the council can afford," Mrs Archer explained.

"We have agreed an approach to this with the independent care sector, but it is important to realise that the additional government funding which has been made available in recent weeks will not cover all that is required.

"The council and independent care home providers are making representations to the Government about this.

"We will continue to manage the budget to ensure those individuals at the greatest risk will receive services first.

"We will continue to target spending on areas where the need is most acute as well as developing preventative services.

"In this way we will ensure that people with the highest level of need are cared for, and reduce the pressure on services in the future.

Updated: 11:43 Friday, December 28, 2001