A radical funding shake-up for hundreds of voluntary groups can only succeed with more cash, a charity leader warned today.

The change follows controversial funding methods in the past which led to petitions and demonstrations in Centenary Square as large numbers of organisations wanting funds had their bids rejected.

Now the Council is adopting a method where groups are invited to make applications for providing services.

But Anthony Clipsom, co-ordinator of Bradford Council for Voluntary Services, said the scheme could be heading for disaster without the right funding.

The Council has set aside about £6 million for the groups which provide services including training, advice and youth facilities.

Officers claim the old system led to duplication and new groups missed out because funding was renewed, in many cases to those already receiving it.

In a newsletter which has gone out to voluntary organisations across the district, Mr Clipsom says: "The overall budget is a cause for concern.

"The budget has not increased in real terms for a decade or more.

"Last year it took a two per cent cut. There is a threat that further cuts could be made to put more money into education and social services."

Today the Council's executive member for environment, Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, said education and social services would continue to be the priority and other services like highways had also received stand-still budgets.

The Council says one reason for commissioning services rather than just giving grants is to link other outside funding strands together.

But Mr Clipsom claimed any reduction in funding from the Council would lead to any external cash being swallowed up without any benefit to the groups concerned.

He added politicians should have the will to protect the existing budget and encourage other funders to play a part.

The new system is expected to start next year and organisations which are interested must show they are viable and able to provide the service.