A government warning that local authorities should not unfairly cut allocations to community organisations has been welcomed by the Jewish Leadership Council.

Addressing the National Council of Voluntary Organisations, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said councils faced challenges on prioritising spending. "But they must resist any temptation to pull up the drawbridge on the voluntary sector and pass on disproportionate cuts."

Mr Pickles added that he might make it a legal requirement for councils to protect charities from unfair cuts.

His comments echo recommendations made in the JLC's Big Society and the UK Jewish Community policy paper, published in December and discussed with Mr Pickles and local government ministers.

The JLC's Jo Rosenfelder said: "Charities are the backbone of our communities, but a number of social service charities are being unfairly threatened by proposed cuts in certain councils."