SCVO respond to UK Government Spring Budget

Responding to the Spring Budget 2024, SCVO Chief Executive Anna Fowlie, said: “I share the disappointment of other voluntary sector bodies that the Spring Budget did not recognise the essential services and support of voluntary organisations both in Scotland and across the UK. 

“Our essential sector is a major employer, a partner in delivering public services, and a vital contributor to society and the economy. 

“While parts of the sector were recognised and resourced, including a welcome package for medical research charities who make such an important contribution, the Budget failed to address the continuing pressures faced by organisations across the sector. 

“The last few years have been a period of significant change and upheaval for Scottish voluntary organisations, their staff and volunteers, and the people and communities they work with. Rising inflation and the resulting cost-of-living crisis and running costs crisis have strained our sector’s finances and increased demand for the support and services many organisations provide, as demonstrated in our Third Sector Tracker. 

"This crisis is not over. Any cuts to public services will impact on people across society, especially those on the lowest incomes who rely on them most, increasing pressure on voluntary sector services. Similarly, with little to support those in the greatest need, demand for charity services is likely to continue to increase. 

"To protect our sector’s essential contributions in the future, underfunding and a lack of inflation-based uplifts in grants and contracts can and should have been addressed.”  

ENDS