SPENDING on social services in Newport this year is likely to be £2 million over budget but this reflects a national trend caused by an ageing population.

But city council leader Bob Bright pledged the authority would continue to provide high quality services to the vulnerable and those in need.

It was originally estimated that nearly £58 million would be spent on social services but this it is now likely to be nearer £60 million.

Head of finance Joyce Steven gave the council's cabinet a monitoring report on its day-to-day spending.

"Across Wales, significant budget pressures in the community care arena are causing problems," said Mrs Steven.

"There is a significant projected overspend in Newport in the current year."

Mrs Steven told the cabinet members this was not a surprise and they would continue to monitor the budget.

Councillor Bright said it was not a "reckless" overspend but was due to demographic change in society with more elderly people.

"In the city we deliver high quality services and care across the board in social services and it is our pledge that we will continue."

However, he added they would continue to get value for money and look at the situation.

"The pressures have built up over time and at some stage we are going to have to re-examine the base budget."

In some other areas, the council is likely to spend less that originally expected.

In her report, Mrs Steven concluded that while the budget was under some pressure, the council was in a satisfactory position with regard to its financial strategy for future years.

The net overspending would not cause the council any significant difficulty in the longer term.