The hand-out of grants to needy organisations across Castle Point may have to undergo a rethink.

In the past, Castle Point Council has handed out tens of thousands of pounds a year - including concessionary use of council facilities - to voluntary organisations but this year the amount requested exceeds the cash in the kitty by £16,526.

In 1996/7 the council gave £81,000 to local projects, including a large sum to Canvey's advice centre and the youth centre in Furtherwick Road, but over time the amount needed for both projects has increased.

For 1999/2000, around £81,000 has again been set aside with £35,000 earmarked for the advice and youth centres on Canvey leaving £45,500 for grants and donations - but there is a shortfall of £16,526.

As a result, the council has been given three options - to reduce the grants, change the formula for allocating grants or stump up the extra money.

The decision will be made by the finance committee at 7.30pm on Thursday at the council offices in Kiln Road, Thundersley.

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