Sutton’s voluntary sector is set to lose just over £158,000 in potential funding next year, as the council strives to reduce their annual budget by £40m in five years.

The new Infrastructure Support and Capacity Building Fund launches in April, and will offer £342k for local services to apply for every year.

The fund will run for four years, and replaces the Strategic Partner Programme, which made available just over £500k a year.

The new reduced fund is the first change in the borough made through the Sutton's Future campaign, which was designed to give the public a say in how the council can most effectively make savings.

Susanna Bennett, chief executive at the Sutton Centre for the Voluntary Sector, said: "The Infrastructure Support and Capacity Building Fund will ensure that our community will continue to have a vibrant and enabled voluntary sector, that is not only well placed to meet the needs of residents but has a sustainable funding base."

Sutton Council report the new reduced fund will bring in a saving of £250k.

Do you work in the voluntary or community sector? How will your service be affected? Call the news desk on 020 8722 6358, or email tom.gillespie@london.newsquest.co.uk