Two huge wins for Scotland’s third sector in autumn statement

SCVO media release 25 November 2015 Following George Osborne’s autumn statement today, John Downie, Director of Public Affairs, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), said:  “The third sector in Scotland can claim two huge wins from the Chancellor’s autumn statement. “First is the decision not to raid the Big Lottery Fund to pay for cuts to culture and sport. Had this gone ahead, as had been widely expected in recent weeks, Scotland’s charities could have lost out on £30-£70m. This would have been devastating. But the sector came together with partners across the UK to lead a fight against any cuts, and today we see the results of our hard work. “Osborne’s U-turn on his plans to scrap tax credits is to be welcomed but it should never have been on the table in the first place. Thousands of families have been put under huge strain in coming to terms with how they would cope when the cuts hit. While they are being staved off for the meantime, we need to remember that, in the end, tax credits will still be effectively phased out when they are subsumed into Universal Credit roll out in 2020. “Scotland’s third sector has won two important battles, but the Chancellor’s war on charities rages on. We need to be prepared to continue the fight in April 2016 when his £12 billion of welfare cuts come into effect.” ENDS Notes to editors: The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is the national membership body representing the interests of charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. The Scottish third sector turns over £4.9 billion a year and employs 138,000 people in over 45,000 organisations. John Downie, Director of Public Affairs, SCVO is available for interview and further comment, please call Jordan Ogg on 07005 140260.