Dozens of voluntary organisations could be left devastated as Croydon Council cuts millions of pounds from its budget.

In the past, the council has funded up to 100 voluntary organisations over the course of the financial year, from community karate clubs to volunteers caring for the elderly and vulnerable.

However many of these wholly depended on council funding could be forced to close as grant money from the council dries up in October.

Out of 126 organisations who applied to receive council grants, only six have guaranteed funding totalling £625,000 a year for the next four years.

Councillor Vidhi Mohan, cabinet member for stronger communities, said: "Firstly, we should not lose sight of the fact that, at a time when every council in the country is reducing its funding arrangements and money is scarce, we are still looking to ensure more than £2.4million goes to support vital local groups - and have prioritised those that support some of our most vulnerable residents, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau.

"With the current funding climate, I think this shows our commitment to supporting the voluntary sector as much as possible.

"The priority is now to fund those enabling organisations that have a broad reach across the area - and commission services from others as we need them, which is far more efficient.

"However we accept that many groups which have previously been well funded may now have difficult decisions to make following the Cabinet meeting.

"This is the reality of the government’s bid to tackle the national deficit. Croydon is not alone in this."

The borough will continue to fund other voluntary organisations - but on a commissioning basis. This means organisations can bid to provide services to council departments who need a specific service.

If proposals are agreed by the cabinet, then funding go to Croydon Voluntary Action (CVA), Croydon BME Forum, Croydon Asian Resource Centre, the Croydon Disability Forum, Croydon Neighbourhood Watch, and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Do you know of an organisation losing out on council funding? Call the news desk on 0208 330 9559.