A REVIEW has been launched to provide a more secure future for council-funded non-profit organisations.

Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) currently provides £1.2m worth of grant funding to more than 50 voluntary services, targeted at helping elderly and vulnerable people.

The purpose of the review is to prevent services from being duplicated and to provide a more predictable income for council-funded groups.

Councillor Keith Baker, leader of WBC, said: “In these challenging financial times we must make sure our investment is focused on those services which deliver a positive and measurable impact on the lives of the local people who need them, while also meeting our strategic priorities.

“This review is not seeking to reduce our investment in voluntary services. This is all about strengthening our relationships with these organisations and supporting them to increase their sustainability.

“It is vital Wokingham’s voluntary sector is clear about our commissioning goals so that they can develop and shape their support of the residents using them.”

Existing funding arrangements with voluntary groups will be extended for one year while the review is conducted.

The review started this month and will run until March 2018. Any changes made as a result of the review will take effect throughout next year.

Councillor Clive Jones, welcomed the review into voluntary sector donations, following an executive meeting on Thursday, March 30.

He added: “I have seen first-hand how valuable it is for charitable and voluntary organisations to have guaranteed funding lasting for two or three years instead of just one.

“It really helps them to plan ahead to ensure they can continue to give support often to very vulnerable people.”