Tories Continue to Push For Cuts to the Voluntary Sector

11.49.00am GMT Tue 7th Mar 2006

Surrey County Council gets at least £10 return for every £1 of grant paid to the voluntary organisations

Conservative-run Surrey County Council today refused to maintain current funding to the county's voluntary sector, choosing instead to oppose a Liberal Democrat motion which had called for an end to the proposed £838,000 cut in funding. Fiona White, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Adults and Community Care, said after the meeting that the Tory amendment to the motion was "woolly" and had no funding substance to it on which the voluntary organisations could rely.

"The important part of our original motion," said Fiona, "was to maintain the current level of funding, to give certainty to Voluntary Organisations and to enable them to plan their future activities.

"What we wanted to debate was the actual value of the services provided by the voluntary sector and how these would be affected by the proposed cut. For every £1 given in grant to a voluntary organisation, the suggested rate of return is £10. Because the rate of return is so high, a cut of £838,000 would effectively mean a reduction of £8 million or more in services to the most needy people in Surrey.

"For instance, in a targeted campaign by voluntary organisations to make people aware of the benefits they are entitled to, e.g. disability allowance, Waverley & Woking showed a return of £20.41 in benefits for every £1 invested in the campaign; Epsom & Ewell £20.43; Walton £22.82 and Guildford a massive £58.85."

The Voluntary services in Surrey support a wide range of needs including helping older people and people with disabilities to continue to live independently; support to carers including respite care; a furniture recycling scheme; and a home start scheme to help pre-school children and their families.

"In times of financial hardship, we must make sure that what money is available is used most effectively," continued Fiona. "At the end of the day, ticking boxes to meet Government targets is less important than making sure our residents get the best value for money.

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Kick in the teeth for Voluntary Organisations