VOLUNTARY groups are warning that another round of council cuts could leave some of North Yorkshire's elderly and disabled as virtual prisoners in their own homes.

With a General Election looming, the Government promised local authorities more money to spend on public services this year.

However, as much of the extra cash comes earmarked for specific purposes, the county council has found itself with limited room to manoeuvre.

And, after studying a report to be tabled at a meeting tomorrow, the North Yorkshire Forum for Voluntary Organisations was dismayed to discover the social services department is actually facing a budget shortfall of £1.68m in the next financial year.

Last night the forum's chief officer, Neil Irving, said community transport, information and advocacy services, nursing and residential homes were in the firing line.

"Local voluntary organisations know these cuts will be devastating and remove existing services from many elderly and vulnerable people.

"Overall, the cuts will result in the county council failing to meet its statutory responsibilities and is at risk of a legal challenge,'' he warned.

Letters are already on their way to the region's MPs, highlighting the county's plight, which Mr Irving claims could be compounded by the loss of matching grants from the National Lottery's Charities Board.

However, a glimmer of hope lies in the fact social services can bid for a share of a £1.25m "corporate pot'', set aside to ease the burden on any directorate struggling to trim its budget.

Last night, a spokesman for the county council stressed that the authority was trying its best to keep any cuts to a minimum.

He said: "We understand the problems facing families waiting for services to be provided but, often, we just do not have the money available to spend on one particular area. We are not at crisis point, but things are extremely difficult.

"We have always pressed the case with the Government to recognise the need for more money to care for older people in the community.

"Quite simply, people are growing older and living longer - and that is a particular problem in North Yorkshire where many come to retire.'