Councillors could look at different sources of funding to help its problem-hit social services department, which faces a £2.5 million overspend.

A wide-ranging action plan was agreed at yesterday's executive committee meeting to try to get to grips with the anticipated deficit by March.

But executive member for health and housing, Councillor Kris Hopkins, said reports would come back in the next few weeks about identifying new funding. The restructure of children's services is also likely to be considered.

Executive member for corporate services, Councillor Richard Wightman, said: "I think further progress can and must be made."

Deputy leader of the Labour Group, Councillor Barry Thorne, said: "We genuinely want to sort social services out."

But Council Leader, Councillor Margaret Eaton, stressed Brad-ford is not alone and other Social Services departments across Britain also face serious problems which need to be examined by the Government.

The committee was told the cost of sending young people to facilities outside the district is the major cause of the problem.

But the committee rejected a cost-pruning proposal from Liam Hughes, director of social services, that further growth of home-support packages for older people and those with disabilities should be shelved.

Liberal Democrat leader Councillor Jeanette Sunderland said elderly people should not suffer from cuts in order to fund other parts of social services.

The action plan includes seeking refunds of charges from Bradford Health after a court judgement in the Coughlan case decided health authorities should pay some costs for care.

But Coun Sunderland stressed the claims would be made from the health authority and not from people who receive the services.

Other actions will include a review of the department's transport services and home-support services provided by the independent sector.

The process for obtaining outside places for young people will also be re-examined.

The Council will also continue to support the strategy of keeping older people in their own homes and sheltered housing, where sensible.