COUNCIL chiefs are set to meet next week to discuss controversial plans to cut the rent reduction on the town's voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations.

Several high profile groups have said they would be affected - with each one having to find thousands of pounds to cover the increase in rent.

Many have said they can't afford any increase and would be forced to close - hurting the most disadvantaged people in the town.

Liz Williams, from REACH CIC, which provides the only community venue in Winyates, said: "The effect of the council stopping this reduction on all voluntary organisations renting council properties could be huge.

"It would increase REACH’s rent bills by £8,000 per year. We simply can’t afford this.

"In other words, we would have to close and every service and group, all the help and advice, the support and just being here, will end."

Funding cuts across the public sector have meant an ever-increasing reliance on organisations such as REACH CIC to fill the gaps left in provision.

Cllr David Thain, whose portfolio covers corporate management, said: “In August we were upfront and honest about the difficult decisions which we would have to make.

"The council is facing a very challenging financial position and we must consider all of our costs.

“These moves, if approved, are by no means a quick win as it will cost the Council £70,000 for the two years as we offer transitional support to the organisations involved, who can, after that time, remain at the premises but at full market rent.

“We continue to offer support to the VCS sector. The organisations may get reduced business rates and we are about to launch our Redditch Community Lottery which will benefit good causes – and our residents."

Council leader Matt Dormer added: “While these recommendations have to go through the decision making process including, executive and full council, we do have to be realistic and operate more commercially if we are to make this council sustainable and avoid cutting front line services.”

The plans will go before the council’s executive committee next Tuesday, October 29.

It is proposed that the authority removes its subsidies on rents by March 2022.