MORE than 60 representatives from voluntary groups lobbied councillors over budget plans which they say will result in a cut in the social services budget.

Members of North Yorkshire County Council corporate policy committee were faced with the demonstration on the steps of county hall on Tuesday.

The committee was meeting to vote on budget recommendations which included proposals to increase council tax by 7pc in order to guarantee funding for voluntary groups to maintain their services.

However, voluntary groups were unhappy at the budget decision, claiming that although they did not face a direct cut in their funding they still faced increasing demand from vulnerable people whom the county council would no longer help.

Mr Neil Irving, of the North Yorkshire forum for voluntary organisations, said: "County council budget discussions always seem to be about how little it can increase the council tax, rather than the level of services that people need."

Mencap maintained that despite the increase in council tax, it still faced a £100,000 cut in its budget, but the county council said this was £100,000 worth of savings to services for adults with learning disabilities.

Coun Michael Pitts said: "The fact we have the sort of demonstration on our steps this morning I find very sad. There is still a question mark about Mencap. Are they going to be fully protected in their care funding or not?"

It was explained that the council would look at ways of running services more efficiently, and would look at other opportunities for funding.

But Coun Caroline Seymour said: "We are being asked to take a vote on a budget when we don't really know what it means for the people on the ground. It shouldn't be allowed to happen."

l Council leader's pledge: page 10.