Latest cuts to council funding could accelerate the 'slide' towards the privatisation of London's parks, the Government has been warned.

London Councils said many local authorities will struggle to support community groups and volunteers who have played a vital role in maintaining parks and green spaces.

Spending on open spaces by London boroughs has fallen by 18% in real terms over the last four years, it said, and the Government's recent in-year cuts will push local authorities towards a 'tipping point'.

Cllr Julian Bell, chair of London Councils’ transport and environment committee, said: 'London’s parks are at a crossroads and we cannot continue as we have in the past – the money simply isn’t there. If we pass the tipping point communities risk losing control of parks, along with democratic accountability for the open spaces that they value so much.

'London boroughs face increasing financial pressure and the strain is showing on the resources available for parks, leisure and sports facilities. The current climate of austerity does not suggest the situation will improve.

'By harnessing the time and expertise community groups offer, boroughs have been able to continue caring for these precious areas of green space for relaxation and play, not to mention the health benefits they offer.

'There is doubt about whether or not councils will be able to support these groups as boroughs divert what money they have to meet statutory responsibilities such as adult social care and elderly care.'

Earlier this year Streatham Common Co-operative (SCCoop) received support from Lambeth Council to take over a landscaped area of the Common called the Rookery.

Richard Payne, chair of the SCCoop board of directors, said: 'The cuts are a huge challenge for anyone running an open space. SCCoop has much lower overheads than a typical provider as we have a pool of volunteers to draw on, but even so the level of cuts that are planned will challenge us and it is hard to see how all services can be maintained.'