REDDITCH'S voluntary and community groups have been dealt a severe blow - as the council said it is looking to stop its rent reduction scheme.

At a recent meeting it was decided to scrap rent reduction on charity and voluntary organisations in the town.

It was agreed to remove the scheme over a three-year period.

The controversial move could see a number of groups, which provide vital services, forced to close.

One group, REACH CIC, which provides services to some of Redditch's most disadvantaged people, has called the plans "an assault on vulnerable people in Redditch".

The Advertiser has previously reported on the plans and the enormous public outcry that followed.

In an attempt to make amends with the town's voluntary and community groups, Redditch Council did say it had "decided to review" the move and met with sector representatives.

Further attempts to assuage the authority's guilt included the council launching a consultation event into the move, and hastily announcing that a community lottery would be raising cash for the embattled Voluntary Community Sector (VCS).

Speaking previously Redditch Council leader Matt Dormer said the council was facing tough decisions and would not be "retreating from making these".

The move will be discussed by council chiefs later today.

Keep checking this paper for the latest updates.