IT looks as if, once again, Worcestershire is to lose out on Government money because of the vagaries of a Whitehall funding formula.

Worcester News readers will be well aware of how our children are short-changed because of the unfair Area Cost Adjustment formula, which means our schools receive less funding than their Home Counties counterparts.

Now, it would appear that vulnerable people in the county are to lose out as well - because they live in Worcestershire.

This is simply not good enough.

The Supporting People programme, which is funded by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, helps those on the margins of society to lead independent lives.

It is an important service - we believe all vulnerable people should be able to play a full part in society.

If this is not possible, it is vital that they receive adequate support to enable them to participate as fully as possible.

Although Supporting People only began two years ago, the county's share of its budget will be slashed by more than £3m over the next few years.

According to Liz Eyre, county cabinet member responsible for social services, the national County Councils Network believes the formula for distributing the money is flawed.

Our councillors and, after May 5, our MPs need to help make sure the vulnerable members of our society don't miss out because they live in Worcestershire.