COUNCILLORS have warned vulnerable people are at risk across North Yorkshire after a 25 per cent reduction in emergency funds to help people who are struggling to cope.

Last year 4,000 awards were made to families and young people at risk or with mental health problems from a special local assistance fund run through North Yorkshire County Council.

For the past two years the government allocated £793,000 plus administration costs, but this year just £713,000 was earmarked from general budgets.

Grants were mostly for white goods, furniture and beds, food, utility top ups and clothing. Scarborough and Harrogate were the most affected areas.

The county council’s Executive was asked to keep the Local Assistance Fund at previous levels but agreed to reduce it to £713,000.

Cllr Patrick Mulligan added: "It is one thing to stop cutting grass verges and turning the lights off at night but it is it is another thing to withdraw support from those that are helping the most vulnerable members of our society."

Cllr Carl Les said they would keep the situation under review and would look at approaching the district council’s to see if they could help.