A ROW has broken out over funding for a scheme which helps vulnerable adults live independently in their own homes.

Crewe and Nantwich council chiefs have slammed county colleagues after a report revealed the borough receives less cash per person than any other in Cheshire.

The controversy comes as the Government embarks on a major review of the Supporting People programme, set up in April 2003, in an attempt to move elderly, disabled and dependent people out of full-time care.

But with spending cuts expected, council board members were dismayed to see figures which suggest the borough has not received any money to assist people with physical disabilities, substance abuse problems or for teenage parents.

Council leader Peter Kent said: 'We don't need a survey to know that, on a needs basis, Crewe and Nantwich should be getting a lot more money than the likes of Congleton, Vale Royal and Maccles-field, which are hardly sinks of deprivation.

'The problem is, if we don't trust the figures, we can't say for sure whether we are getting our fair share or not.'

Service providers backed calls for co-operation, saying now was a good opportunity for tightening up practices.

Peter Speed, chief executive at Crewe YMCA on Gresty Road, said: 'The challenge is the pot of money is getting smaller, but that simply demands more co-operation between the agencies and the local authorities so we can draw up a proper plan of priorities.'

Linda Smith, who runs the Anchor Stay Put agency at Delamere House, said: 'Without the barriers it is easier to make sure help gets through to the people who need it.'

Councillors want a re-view of how money is allocated before signing a consultation paper due to be to be returned to Whitehall by Thursday.