There are more than 400 registered charities in Brighton and Hove. That's far too many for towns of their size.

While most people are happy to give to established charities, some of the smaller ones should be put out of their misery.

Anyone can set up a charity and the checks are not strong enough. This was proved all too vividly in the Seventies when the Argus exposed the dodgy accounts of a charity called Local Aid.

There are also too many duplicating the work of each other. Although some tidying up has gone on, especially among those giving out advice, a further weeding out is required.

Questions need asking about why there are so many different charities seeking to help disabled or homeless people. Wouldn't one or maybe two charities for each problem be enough?

Brighton and Hove Council, as the main grant giver, keeps many voluntary organisations going each year.

It has to be rigorous or the budget would run into millions of pounds. But it may need to be even harsher so only the best and most effective are funded.

Many local charities are struggling to do a good job on limited resources but they are competing against others with similar functions and often against much better organised national charities.

Charity begins at home. With many local charities, it should end there too. They should be disbanded if they are not effective.