The Independent Care Group (ICG) is holding talks with City of York Council over a possible cut to its funding.

The North Yorkshire care group urged the council to rethink its plans and warned any changes would impact social care delivery in the York area.

ICG chair Mike Padgham said: “It is extremely disappointing that City of York Council is rumoured to be considering a cut to our funding, changing such a long and productive relationship between the ICG and City of York Council.

“It comes at a time of crisis for adult social care when it is vital that the council, NHS and local providers work more closely together, rather than less, to ensure local, vulnerable people get the care and support they need.

“If this funding is cut, that relationship and the undoubted benefits it has brought, will be damaged and the care of older and vulnerable people in the area will inevitably be the worse for it. It will ultimately prove more costly, rather than less for the council.

“Given the vital role that partnership plays in the delivery of care in the area, we would urge the local authority to pause and hold consultations with us.”

Michael Melvin, corporate director of adult social care and integration, said: “The council will focus its resources on ensuring we deliver services in both the most effective and fairest way. We will continue to focus on those most in need, working in partnership with the NHS and voluntary and community sector to ensure we are getting the best value from external providers.

“We will be looking carefully at how we can ensure that we provide the best possible and fairest possible support for York’s residents and their carers. We’ll be reviewing council services, including those provided in partnership with the NHS, voluntary services and community organisations to ensure these valuable services enable local people to live independently and in their own home with support for as long as possible.”