Fears that cuts will hit voluntary and community groups

Cuts Fear!?

SUBSTANTIAL CUTS are taking place to reduce local public funding. Within this cost-cutting environment there is a fear that services run by local voluntary and community sector groups will be hit. Voluntary sector organisaations are quite often contracted by local councils to carry out vital support services for more vulnerable people. This recognises the fact that such voluntary groups are often in a far better position than local authorities to gain the trust of local people and ensure that essential services reach them.

However, that unique role played by voluntary and community groups could be undermined if local authorities and other public services see these groups as a 'soft option' when it comes to reducing budgets and grants.

In a recent press release Graham Stuart MP has highlighted the role of the Shores Centre in Withernsea as an example of such a voluntary group and made the following comments:

“The team at the SHoRes Centre have done a fabulous job in recent years helping as many people as possible get back into work and with their care needs. However, they are now fearful that, as Government is forced to make the changes to public spending needed to get the country back on a sure footing after 13 years of Labour mismanagement, they will be overlooked and possibly squeezed out.”

Compact Voice is the voice of the voluntary sector in England in relation to the Compact (which is an agreement between the voluntary and public sectors to work together better). They have appealed for voluntary groups to tell them about what's happening in each area.

They want to hear the details of any cuts groups are experiencing or anticipating this financial year. Were you warned or consulted? Will you have to make changes to how you operate because of recent or proposed cuts?

They have asked that groups email them at compact@compact voice.org or alternatively, ring them on 0207 520 2451. The information you provide will better enable them to understand what is happening around the country, and to respond to this issue.

In Hull on Wednesday 18th August there is an information session taking place on the Public Sector Cuts and the Voluntary and Community Sector at the Guildhall organised by the One Hull VCS and North Bank Forums. Information about the meeting is available on the Hull CVS website. To book a place please contact Laura Capes on 01482 499035 or email admin@onehullvcs.org.uk