JOBS will be cut at a housing trust in mid Cheshire in the light of changes to Government policy.

Weaver Vale Housing Trust, which employs 350 staff, is losing 32 jobs.

Steve Jennings, chief executive, said the cuts will affect staff at all levels but are necessary to secure the trust's future.

"We are in good shape and we will continue to remain in good shape if we make these difficult decisions," he said.

"In terms of securing the future of the trust and services to customers we have to make these difficult decisions now."

Of the 32 posts, 14 are currently vacant or expected to become vacant and these will not be replaced.

The trust, which has its headquarters at Gadbrook Park, in Rudheath, is asking for voluntary redundancies for the remaining 18 roles, which includes directors, management and frontline staff.

Workers will know before Christmas if their job is safe, with any compulsory redundancies taking place in January.

The trust is also looking at how it can manage its stock of properties across Northwich, Winsford, Frodsham and Helsby more efficiently.

Mr Jennings said Weaver Vale Housing Trust had budgeted for a one per cent rise on rental income each year for four years but the Government has announced a rent cut of one per cent each year for four years in its summer budget instead.

"This is great for customers because their rent is going to go down." Mr Jennings said.

"But rental income is our sole source of income and less rent equals less money to spend on what we do.

"This means a loss of £4.2 million out of our business plan out of a turnover of £32 million.

"It's 16 per cent of our running costs."

The trust, which is a social housing landlord, is also facing a change to the way it works as from the 2016/17 financial year the Government will give all social housing tenants the right to buy their house at a discount, depending on how long they have lived there.

As housing trusts are charitable bodies, the Government will fund the discount, but only if trusts replace the houses they sell within two years.

Mr Jennings said: "The problem for us is that as part of this voluntary deal we have to make sure we replace any property lost with a new one.

"We have to try to find land somewhere at the right price to build another property that's affordable and we have to replace that property in two years."

He added: "In terms of cuts the local authorities and NHS has had to face this is not on the same scale, however for a small to medium sized sector like us there are significant challenges to overcome."