A CHARITY has welcomed news that its funding will only be reduced by around one quarter, not the 50 per cent it feared.

Southdown Housing Association had been warned by East Sussex County Council its homelessness prevention service Home Works would lose half its funding.

But on Tuesday the Cabinet decided to impose a cut of 28 per cent.

Southdown chief executive Neil Blanchard said: “Whilst this cut will still have a significant impact on our service for vulnerable people who are at risk of homelessness, rough sleeping and are living in crisis situations, it is not as severe as initially feared.

“The reduction in the severity of the funding cut is testament to the vital difference Home Works makes to people’s lives and the communities we live in.

“It is also testament to the huge effort by Home Works’ staff and clients to campaign for the service.

“Thank you to everybody who helped us to protect Home Works’ funding.”

Mr Blanchard said that the organisation, based in Bell Lane, Lewes, will work with the county council to manage the impact of the funding cut.