Sector Cuts and the Compact
The UK is currently undergoing a period of substantial cuts to local funding. While no-one debates the need to reduce the deficit, we’re concerned that these cuts might be happening in a non-Compact compliant way which threatens the sustainability of local services and voluntary sector providers.
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Information for voluntary groups
Tell us what's happening...
We want to hear the details of any cuts you 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?
Please email us or fill in this online form. The information you provide will better enable us to understand what is happening around the country, and to respond to this issue. Tell us if you want this information to be treated as confidential. Alternatively, ring us on 0207 520 2451.
Compact advocacy
If you suspect there has been a breach of public law or the Compact, you may wish to email the Compact Advocacy Programme or call 020 7520 3161 to speak to an advocate.
Resources for voluntary groups
- Read our guide - How to safeguard Sector stability - using your Compact
- Read about how Thurrock have managed cuts
- Read Compact Advocacy - "Can they cut my funding?"
- Read Empowering the Voluntary Sector guide - Cuts - to challenge or not to challenge
- Read an open letter to the Chief Executives of local authorities from our Chair, Simon Blake
Tips for public sector bodies
Always remember that Compact working is about partnership, and valuing the work of local partners in an area. It's therefore important not to ignore the needs and likely outcomes for partners - and to take an attitude which says “it’s not your business how we intend to make these cuts”. So:
1. If the Sector hasn’t contacted you, take the initiative to contact them first - this will build mutual trust and confidence
2. Ensure that smaller groups are involved in budget discussions - use their expertise
3. Remember this is not about creating more work, when you do this the benefits to your own work will be immediate and substantial
4. Get together with other public bodies (fire, health) if you’re having difficulties, or perhaps put it on the Local Strategic Partnership agenda
5. Discuss problems and solutions with other public bodies on the Compact Voice online forum, or call us on 0207 520 2453 if you'd like any assistance.
More resources for public bodies
- Read a guidance note for local authorities on managing budget revisions (Commission for the Compact)
- Read an open letter to the Chief Executives of local authorities from our Chair, Simon Blake
- Finally, promote your good practice - celebrate your achievements in partnership, or tell us and we’ll showcase them nationally.
Other sources of help on the web
Comments
Village Resource Centre
This rural small charity provided computer course, with 13 work stations, for people in the surrounding villages, a meeting place and lectures was closed because funding was diverted to youth activities.
Cuts
We are a small charity and took a 10k hit last year from the RDA. This year it is about 27k. When the RDA is dismantled by the government, without any consultation with local civil society organisations, we'll have a 270k cut. It feels as if the government will say, 'good', we've saved 270k without bothering to find out whether the money is well spent and value for money. Or whether it can help them to deliver their agenda. The mantra appears to be 'cut', not what is being deliverd and is it effective. On the one hand the government talks about the Big Society, but it is already demonstrating that it is fuelled by dogma and is not prepared to engage and consult with civil society organisations. Anyone for a game of slash and burn, or hypocrisy?
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