VOLUNTARY groups in Bexley could be facing hard times as Bexley Council tries to slash its budget by up to £30m over the next three years.

Individual organisations are taking part in a series of meetings with council officials to discuss their current council grants and how they can be reduced.

Cabinet members responsible for children’s services, community affairs and health and adult social care have already met representatives from 44 borough voluntary organisations.

There will be further meetings after the government announces its comprehensive spending review today (October 20).

Councllor David Hurt, cabinet member for health and adult social care said: “The voluntary sector makes a vital contribution to the quality of life of local people and we are committed to working with them to protect services to the vulnerable, and those services which mean the most to local people.”