ONE of the most successful care agencies in the country, providing a 'vital' service to West Devon residents, is struggling to survive following a funding squeeze.

West Devon Care and Repair, which helps older or disabled people remain in their homes by carrying out improvements, adaptations and giving benefits advice, is funded by the borough council, county council and the DETR.

Nick Payne, head of environmental services, told West Devon partnership committee meeting last week that the situation was desperate.

'Because of funding difficulties within the Social Services department for next year, it's likely that the level of support will not be the same.

'That's a double jeopardy effect because if the local funding is reduced, then the DETR funding will be reduced by a similar amount.'

Mr Payne said despite the fact that funding West Devon Care and Repair was a 'constant headache', the agency was considered one of the best and most efficient of its type in the country.

'It provides an absolutely vital support network to a whole range of people, often preventing them becoming full-blown Social Services clients.

'The benefits that Social Services receive are far in excess of their investment — but the situation is clearly urgent because I have to put the budget to the DETR by January 26.'

He said there was a shortfall of £3,000 from Social Services — 'a drop in the ocean' to their budgets, he said — plus a further deficit of £8,750 which needed to be bridged.

The service is considered so important the borough would move 'heaven and earth' to keep it going, said Mr Payne.

John Smith, of Devon County Council, said the Social Services department was in a 'difficult budgetary situation' and it was going to be hard to find extra money.

'There are other agencies which derive benefit from Care and Repair services — I don't know what level they contribute,' he said.

Cllr Coleen Herriman thought the health authorities should be approached for funding — the 'importance of partnership working to move this forward' should be stressed, she said.

The partnership committee agreed that approaches should be made urgently to Mid Devon Primary Health Care Group and North and East Devon Health Authority for funding.