Demonstrators took to the streets to protest against council cuts

Six different groups are claiming that Leicester City Council's decision to impose the cuts - in an attempt to keep council tax down - is unlawful.

The groups claim the council failed to give adequate reasons for taking away their funds.

But the city council claims it was entitled to make political decisions on budgets.

We inherited a dire financial situation Roger Blackmore, council leader

Earlier this year, 90 voluntary groups were told they would lose their funding, but this was reduced to 32 groups after consultation.

They were expected to lose �1.5m in the coming year, rising to �3.1m over three years.

Mr Michael Fordham, representing the six groups, said they were all well established with "excellent track records".

Street protest

He said the council had failed to give them an opportunity to meet key points held against them in the consultation process.

Council leader Roger Blackmore recently said they had "inherited a dire financial situation, with reserves way below the district auditor's recommendations, and savings had to be made to balance the books".

The policy changes followed a Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition taking over the council, after 24 years of Labour control.

The cuts resulted in a street protest in the city in January.