CRUNCH talks between a Government Minister and a delegation from Worcestershire County Council, due to take place today, have been postponed.

The chief executive of the county council, Rob Sykes; the chairman of Worcestershire Health Authority, Jacqui Cravos; the leader of the county council, Carol Warren, and the health authority's chief executive, Pat Archer-Jones, had been invited to London to speak with Yvette Cooper, the Health Minister.

"This is unique," an excited Mr Sykes had said yesterday afternoon.

"We have been invited by the Minister to talk about joint funding for the council and the health authority. The Government has suggested the meeting - that has never happened before as far as I can remember."

But the talks were axed shortly before the delegation set off last night. No reason was given by the Government.

"We're very disappointed, but will contact the Minister to reschedule the meeting," said Mr Sykes today.

The second junior Health Minister, John Hutton, has already hinted that Worcestershire County Council could be in line for additional funds.

Mr Hutton told the Evening News, last month, that he recognised the pressure social services staff were under in Worcestershire.

The social services department has been struggling through the summer to keep within its budget.