Letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer: Autumn Budget 2025 

Dear Chancellor

Ahead of the Autumn Budget set to be published at the end of the month, we write to you on behalf of charities and community organisations across the UK.

Rather than engage with ongoing speculation ahead of this Autumn Budget, we wish to make a simple appeal. We urge you to ensure that the forthcoming Budget does not place further burdens on the voluntary sector, which already faces a perfect storm of falling funding, rising costs, and climbing demand.

We are particularly mindful of the negative impact that changes to employer National Insurance Contributions have had on voluntary sector employers across the UK. These measures, introduced following last year’s Budget despite clear appeals from the sector, have driven up employment costs and made it harder for organisations to attract and retain the skilled staff they need to deliver vital services for people and communities.

We ask that any future proposals are developed in genuine partnership with civil society, in line with the commitments set out in the Civil Society Covenant, which was launched by the Prime Minister earlier this year. This means open communication, early engagement, and a shared understanding of the impact on organisations, our staff and volunteers, and the people and communities we work with.

As you will be aware, representations have also been made to HM Treasury by the Civil Society Group. The submission sets out the actions needed to support a strong, sustainable and independent civil society, which is central to the delivery of the UK Government’s ambitions.

We look forward to receiving a response as a matter of urgency.

Yours sincerely

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO)

Clare Mills and Sarah Lomax, Co-Chief Executives, Charity Finance Group

Robin Osterley OBE, Chief Executive, Charity Retail Association

Carol Mack OBE, Chief Executive, Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF)

Anne Fox, Chief Executive Officer, Clinks

Katie Docherty, Chief Executive, Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIOF)

Dr Rhidian Hughes, Chief Executive, Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG)

Susan Hunter, CEO, Befriending Networks

Maddy Desforges OBE, CEO, National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA)

Dr Will Haydock, Chief Executive, Collective Voice

Georgina Carr, CEO, The Neurological Alliance

Steve Butterworth, Chief Executive Officer, Neighbourly

Dr Lindsay Cordery-Bruce, Chief Executive, Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA)

Kate Lee, Chief Executive Officer, The National Council for Voluntary Organisation (NCVO)

Debra Allcock Tyler, Chief Executive, Directory of Social Change

Corinne Pluchino, Chief Executive, Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE)

Antonia Swinson Chief Executive Ethical Property Foundation

Jane Ide OBE, CEO, Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO)

Celine McStravick, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA).