The Independent Care Group (ICG) says City of York Council has axed its funding after providing support for over 20 years.

The care providers’ group said it will be seeking talks with councillor Jo Coles, executive member for health, wellbeing and adult social care, and York MP Rachael Maskell over the move.

ICG chief executive John Pattinson said: “We are very disappointed that the council has decided to cut the funding it gives to the ICG without any warning or consultation, instantly altering the relationship we and the council have built up over more than 20 years.

“We would urge councillors to rethink as we are certain this will have a direct impact on the care provided to some of the city’s oldest and most vulnerable.”

The ICG has an agreement with City of York Council setting out how the two would work in partnership over care provision for older and vulnerable adults in the area and on issues such as improving care, training and tackling any problems.

ICG chair Mike Padgham said: “It seems that, at a stroke, the council is willing to rip up this agreement, without any form of consultation.

“It is bound to damage the relationship we have with the council and set back the many years of progress we have made in improving the delivery of care in the York area.

“It is not too late, however, and though at the moment it seems to be a fait accompli, we would urge councillors to think again and reinstate this vital support and restore the vital link between care providers, the authority and the people who benefit most from this, the residents who need care.

“Instead of taking such a backward step, at this time of crisis in the care of vulnerable people, we should be working more closely together rather than less.”

City of York Council said it could not confirm at the current time on whether the funding had been axed when contacted by Caring Times.