Cuts warning as charities budget revealed

However, the authority has warned it will not be able to fund new projects and support from some existing programmes may have to be withdrawm.

Citizens advice services and lunch clubs for the elderly are among the activities that will continue to receive council backing.

Councillor Mazher Iqbal, cabinet member for communities at Sheffield City Council, said: “We want to give as many people as possible the help and support that they need and have focused voluntary sector funding on tackling poverty and increasing social justice.

“Grant Aid will prioritise activity that we know has a direct benefit and works.

“Unfortunately we won’t be able to fund any new projects and it is likely that we may have to stop funding some activity that either doesn’t address the needs of the most vulnerable or where we know that other funding is available. Here we will work with organisations to help them secure funding elsewhere.”

The authority will also be reviewing the criteria used to award grants to voluntary organisations in the months ahead.

Coun Iqbal added: “As budgets continue to reduce we need to make sure that Sheffield’s voluntary sector is sustainable. That is why we are proposing a review of the current system.

“We want to work with voluntary groups so we can support them through change, help them access wider funding and make sure that they continue to provide services to the people of Sheffield.

“They provide key help support and advice to some of the most vulnerable in our city and we must do all we can to help make them sustainable for the long term.”

The authority has indicated it will not be raising its council tax year.

Sheffield City Council’s budget is due to be decided on March 7.

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