New research shows half of City and County groups hit by funding cuts
Half of Leicester and Leicestershire's voluntary groups have seen their funding slashed in the past twelve months, with a fifth more expecting cuts very soon, new research from Voluntary Action LeicesterShire has found.
Respondents to Voluntary Action LeicesterShire's survey indicated that they also felt cuts had impacted on the people they were trying to help - between 56%-60% reported feeling less able to make a difference to people's lives as a result.
"The outlook is bleak - groups are already facing closure as a result of funding cuts", said Kevan Liles, chief executive at Voluntary Action LeicesterShire. "Funders need to understand the reality of what cuts mean to the communities these groups serve. A cut to funding isn't just about cancelling a trip to Alton Towers for a bunch of disadvantaged kids - it means shutting the estate's youth club for the whole of the school holidays. These services don't just affect a handful of people - they have a huge impact on whole communities."
Voluntary Action LeicesterShire's survey indicates that community groups are working hard to minimise the impact of cuts on the people they work with. Groups report restructuring including losing paid staff and merging with like-minded organisations. Yet many feel they are working at capacity and cannot continue for much longer.
VAL's Response
In light of upcoming budget proposals from local authorities, VAL is launching the campaign Stand up for Communities to limit the damage of the cuts to voluntary groups and communities.
VAL want councils and other funders to:
- Understand the impact on local communities of cuts to VCS services
- Offer practical support - helping groups to adapt and maintain services
- Prioritise reinvestment where there has been disproportionate harm to particular communities
Act now: Support our recommendations
Leicester City Council has launched a consultation on their budget and the Mayor is inviting responses. This is your chance to stand up for voluntary groups but act quickly - the closing date is Friday 25 November 2011.
We have created a template letter on our website to respond to the consultation and show the key messages of our campaign. Once completed, we will deliver your letter to the Mayor's office on your behalf.
You can also find full details of the Budget Consultation and the questionnaire here:
Deadline for submissions: 25 November 2011
Find out more
For regular campaign updates and to our report 'The Changing Impact of the Voluntary and Community Sector' visit our Stand Up for Communities Campaign Page