A NORTH Yorkshire service which gives housing-related support to vulnerable people throughout the county is facing a cut of almost £1m in central government grant aid in the coming financial year.

A warning has been given that there could be more reductions in following years as the supporting people service works with its partners to find efficiency savings to meet the most immediate setback.

The work of the service can range from a simple alarm system for older residents in sheltered accommodation to more extensive help for those with learning disabilities or mental health problems seeking support to continue living independently.

Support is also offered to enable homeless people to regain their independence and to women fleeing domestic violence.

The commissioning body which runs the service is freezing contract prices for support to vulnerable people following a cut in grant aid of £957,000 announced in the Government's comprehensive spending settlement on December 2. The body consists of a partnership involving the county and district councils, primary care trusts and the probation service.

Richard Pick, chairman of the commissioning body, said strong representations would be made to the Government about the scale of the grant reduction and the impact it would have.

The Government announced a 5pc reduction nationally on the supporting people allocation for 2005-2006, down to £1.7bn compared with £1.8bn in the current financial year.

The North Yorkshire grant has been cut by 5.7pc compared with the national average of 4.9pc, representing the 11th worst overall in England and the eighth worst among county councils.

Mr Pick said: ''Our aim will be to ensure, along with service providers, that vulnerable service users are protected while efficiencies are made, although this could mean some reduced service levels.

''The supporting people team will work hard with providers to find the efficiency savings to bridge next year's deficit of £957,000. The Government is indicating that too much is being spent nationally on the service, and North Yorkshire can expect further cuts over a three-year period as part of the Government's proposals.

''The proposed formula for cuts for 2006-07 and 2007-08 would be the subject of consultation.'