CASH-strapped Monmouthshire county council may have to cut home care services for 100 people.

The council's social services department is heading for a £400,000 overspend and says it has no option but to look at ways to make savings.

Over the next 12 months social workers are to re-assess the needs of everyone who receives "non-essential" care, such as help with shopping, vacuuming and meals on wheels.

The council says it has to try to safeguard the crucial care it provides to those with the greatest needs.

Councillor Verona Nelmes, cabinet member for social services, said: "Social services is currently projected to be more than £400,000 over budget.Over the next few years we intend to reduce this and this is one of the ways we are hoping to do so."

It is, however, not guaranteed that any money will be saved from the reassessments.

The council has promised to provide those whose service it may cut with advice on how to get assistance from the voluntary and private sectors.

Councillor Brian Hood, chairman of the council's social and housing select committee, said: "We have a difficult balancing act to do."