The annual lottery for grants to keep vital voluntary and community services up and running does nothing for long term and strategic planning.

Under the current - and previous - systems there were no firm guarantees of funding from year to year.

It is only correct that checks and balances are put in place to ensure the money available is spent wisely and on the things the grants were issued for.

But many, including this newspaper, called for a review of the complex and bureaucratic system.

It seemed that a level of success depended on how the application forms were completed.

We therefore welcome the news that a major review is being carried out by Bradford Council into the grants system.

As Caroline Schwaller, chief officer of Keighley Voluntary Services, says Keighley's voluntary sector should seize the chance now to shape how it will receive funding in the future.

Next week's forum will be a good platform for debate and possibly developing a united approach.