GROUPS helping the vulnerable and the elderly will still need to come up with as many savings as possible.

They welcomed a last minute decision by Bournemouth Council to cover a funding gap with £1.1m, mainly from reserves.

But over the next four weeks they have to suggest ways of making savings, without cutting frontline services, so as little of the extra money is spent as possible.

Cllr John Beesley, deputy leader of the council, said: “We need procurement efficiencies from the providers of those services.

“It’s my hope and expectation that will go a long way, if not all the way, towards balancing that £1m.”

The council drew up a set of planned cuts after its Supporting People grant from the Govern- ment was reduced from £9m to £5m.

Council leader Peter Charon withdrew the plan on Wednesday night when a final £1.1m was found to plug the gap. He said the “vast bulk” of the cuts would now not take place.

Ao Spice, chairman of their providers forum, said: “Whilst there can be no guarantees about the ongoing savings, this ‘11th hour’ announcement is welcome.

“There is now much work to do over the next four weeks and beyond.”

Martin Hancock, chief executive of BCHA, said the extra money was positive news, adding: “We now have some further time to find better ways of delivering effective services.”

Cllr Peter Charon said he would continue asking the Government “to understand the full consequences of their actions.”

Conor Burns, MP for Bournemouth West, said: “I have written to the minister asking for a meeting to make representations on the Supporting People Grant.”