Learning disability group loses £50k funding

A LEARNING disability group has seen its council funding slashed by more than £50,000.

The city council has taken the decision to cease funding Action Group Information Services's welfare rights service.

It has defended the decision, claiming it will not have a major impact on the organisation, which is based in Albion Road, as it already has a large budget.

A council spokeswoman said: "We are currently in discussions with the Action Group to identify how savings can be found in the remaining funding the group receive from the council so that it will have the minimum impact on service provision.

"The Action Group will also be eligible to tender for the £2 million investment in learning disabilities that was announced in the budget. This money is earmarked for direct services which will give most benefit to our service users."

It follows 18 city charities and voluntary groups, which had been threatened with grant cuts, being granted a reprieve by councillors.

The ruling Lib Dem and SNP administration overturned the recommendations from officials, who proposed £875,000 worth of savings earlier this week, because they were "simply never an option".