Counting the cuts

NCVO recently published a research paper detailing the spending cuts affecting the voluntary sector.

The paper details a number of key findings, most notably that the cuts are estimated to amount to a £2.8 billion loss for the sector nationwide over the period of the spending review (2011 – 2016). This cost is amplified by things like the rise of VAT and reductions in charitable giving that accompanied the recession.

A major concern is the effect this will have on preventative services; the report points out that while cuts now may give short-term economic relief, the reduction of the VCS’s ability to deliver preventative work will mean big challenges – and costs – further in the future.

The report is keen to remind us that while things are difficult, there are opportunities for our sector, such as the changes taking place in public sector reform.

To read the full report click here.

Council publishes proposed budget details

Manchester City Council published its proposed budget for 2011/12, setting out how it will make £109 million of savings over the next financial year, rising to £170m in the 2012/13.

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Economic Growth: Speech by David Cameron

This is a transcript of the speech by Prime Minister David Cameron in Manchester on 6 January 2011. He talks about the government’s plan to help drive growth and create jobs across the country.

To view the speech, follow this link

Manchester residents urged to have their say on council budget

Manchester City Council has launched a resident consultation on its 2011/12 budget. The consultation follows the recent Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) in which the government announced that local authorities will need to cut spending by more than a quarter over the next four years.

Manchester City Council have said they “will have a clearer year-by-year picture of our funding in December when we receive more details from the Government.”

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