GRANTS to voluntary groups helping the most vulnerable have been slashed as council bosses grapple with spending cuts.

Community organisations across Rochford district are facing a battle for survival after Rochford District Council announced it would be reducing all its funding.

Among the big losers is the Rochford and Rayleigh Citizens’ Advice Bureau, which will receive £60,000 rather than £90,000.

Its district manager Sue Murray said the cuts could mean struggling residents do not receive valuable advice.

She said: “It is very disappointing we will be able to help fewer, not more people, especially at a time of so much uncertainty.

“This cut will mean a reduction in the hours we are open and a reduction in the number of people we are able to help.

“Residents are facing problems such as redundancy, benefits being cut and mounting debts, which could result in the loss of their home, to name but a few.”

In 2010/11, the district council handed out £143,000 in grants to big organisations such as the advice bureau, Rayleigh, Rochford and District Association for Voluntary Services and a string of smaller groups.

However, the Government’s spending cuts have forced the district to shave £53,000 off this budget from the start of this month. The authority forced all groups to re-apply for their funding and has now issued its verdict on where the money should go.

Wyvern Community Transport’s grant of £5,000 has been cut entirely, while funding for Rayleigh, Rochford and District Association for Voluntary Services will be reduced from £21,500 to £15,000.

Rochford Old People’s Welfare Committee, which runs the town’s day centre in Back Lane, received £3,500 in 2009/10. Now it will get just £1,000.

Chairman Myra Weir said: “It’s very disappointing. We’ve had to increase our meal prices from £3 to £3.50 to cope.

“I think people understand, but it is tough.”