SOCIAL services bosses have warned of a growing cash crisis which could hit people's care.

Representatives from Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset councils have joined with colleagues across the South West to protest over the issue.

They say services for children, the elderly and vulnerable are stretched to breaking point because of a lack of government cash.

Councillors and directors of social services were meeting in Taunton yesterday to discuss ways of lobbying for more money in the government's Standard Spending Assessment (SSA).

Cllr John Millward, chairman of Bournemouth's social services committee, said: "Here in Bournemouth we received £32.5 million from government through the SSA and yet our current spending is 20 per cent higher at £39 million. In spite of this we are still having to take drastic action to head off a predicted £1.7 million overspend.

"In addition to demands placed on children's services, here in Bournemouth we have particular added pressures in adult services. These are primarily related to both the shortage of care staff and residential and nursing home beds in the town, together with a need to increase fees. At present, it is impossible to say where funding for any increased costs would come from."

A report presented to yesterday's meeting said the government was currently giving councils in the South West £778 million for social care, but spending is likely to be nearer £850 million.

A Department of Health spokesperson said: "The government is providing substantial extra resources for social services across the country, including in the South West of England."