The Civil Society Group (CSG) has called on the government to prioritise long-term financial support for charities and their local commissioners as part of its ongoing spending review.
CSG, which represents over 80 infrastructure and membership organisations, has issued a letter to the government outlining the sector’s priorities for the review, the outcome of which is likely to be published in June.
The letter – signed by 22 charity leaders including the chief executives of NAVCA, ACEVO and NCVO – urges the government to move to a multi-year local government funding settlement and the removal of competitive funding pots.
It says it would bring greater stability to local councils and their partnerships with the voluntary and community sector, particularly regarding charities’ delivery of public services.
The letter asks the government to make a clear commitment to multi-year funding and provide clarity on how funding will be distributed, which would end the current uncertainty.
It also urges the chancellor and the respective authorities in Scotland and Northern Ireland to fund and support their respective charity regulators so that they can better support and regulate the sector.
“For a strong voluntary and community sector, high-quality public services, and resilient communities across the UK, fair and sustainable funding multi-year settlements are essential,” it states.
“To make this a reality, the UK government and devolved administrations must commit to working collaboratively as part of the budgetary process.”
CSG also set out near-term actions, which are “low-cost and impactful”, that the government could take.
These short-term recommendations include allocating match-funding for places or causes crucial to the government’s mission delivery, appointing a dedicated philanthropy champion in government and reinstating mandatory reporting of corporate charitable giving to encourage companies to increase their contributions to the voluntary sector.
‘The sector continues to face increasing demand’
Richard Sagar, head of policy of Charity Finance Group, which is also part of the CSG, said: “This spending review submission is an opportunity to highlight the contribution civil society makes to communities across the country, and to the government’s missions.
“Whilst the chancellor has been clear that the government wants to maintain its fiscal rules, our recommendations could be implemented for little cost, yet could allow charities to maximise their impact.
“The sector continues to face increasing demand for services, whilst managing lower incomes and increased costs – forcing charities to do more with less.
“By offering support for the sector, which delivers around £17bn worth of public services, the government can maximise the positive impact charities can have on the people and causes they serve.”
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