Half of local authorities made disproportionate cuts to VCS

Half of local authorities in England reduced the amount of grant funding to the voluntary sector between 2011/12 and 2012/13 disproportionately, compared to the amount their own budgets have been reduced by, according to research from Compact Voice.

Compact Voice analysed the spending of 254 local authorities to the VCS through grants and contracts. It found 56 percent reduced the amount of grant funding between 2011/12 and 2012/13, with 50 percent making disproportionate cuts to grant funding.

The Local Authorities Report, compiled following freedom of information requests made to 352 local authorities, also found that the amount of local authority spending on the VCS through contracts had reduced.

Compact Voice warns that the local VCS continues to be seen as a soft target for budget reduction, despite the statutory guidance Best Value, which states local authorities should not pass on larger cuts than they take on themselves. Compact Voice calls on the Department for Communities and Local Government to ensure that Best Value Guidance is being enforced.

To download the full report visit www.compactvoice.org.uk/sites/default/files/foi_2012_-_local_authorities_report_final.pdf.