CVSF calls for impact assessment before funding cuts made
The Community and Voluntary Sector Forum (CVSF) is calling for the impact of any funding cuts to community and voluntary sector services to be fully thought through before being made. CVSF is also calling for ongoing communication with the sector and consultation with service users and providers.
Brighton and Hove's community and voluntary sector provides a wide range of cost effective range of services, especially for the city's most vulnerable people. This includes 57,600 hours a week of volunteer labour, donated to the city by local people, and worth £520,000 a week[1].
Where cuts are made, CVSF is calling for very clear evidence of the impact such cuts will have, especially the effect they will have on residents.
Sally Polanski, Chief Executive of CVSF says: "Any cuts are likely to have a detrimental effect on residents, and especially on people who are vulnerable. We already know that 20% of dependent children live in households with no working adults[2]' The effects of the recession mixed with less money for services could be deeply damaging."
CVSF also argues that cuts made now are not necessarily going to save money in the long run. Ms Polanski continued: "We are concerned that more people will loose their jobs and this will have a knock on effect on the economy, housing, probably an increase in homelessness and an increase in the number of people desperate for advice from the very services which have just been cut. Picking up the pieces will be a burden not only on the benefits bill but also the council, the health service, and probably the police and courts too.
"It should not be assumed that voluntary sector contracts are easier to cut than larger or private sector ones, which it has been argued may be difficult or expensive to terminate. The Compact Code on Funding and Commissioning, which sets outs requirements around consultation and notice periods should be followed and Equalities Impacts Assessments should be undertaken. There is also potential for challenging cuts using Public Law should this be necessary.
"We do understand the government has to manage the public purse and this means tough decisions for local funders. But starting with a full assessment of the impact of any cuts before they are made will, we think, save money in the long run."
Ends
Notes to editors
1. CVSF is a membership organisation which support the local third sector. It has over 550 local community groups, voluntary groups, charities and social enterprises in its membership.
[1] From Taking Account, an economic and social audit of the third sector in Brighton and Hove, in 2008. A partnership project between CVSF, Brighton University and other partners in the city.
[2] From the Sustainable Community Strategy, 2010)
