Worries over aspects of voluntary service funding

07 September 2008

Rhoda Grant, Highlands and Islands regional Labour MSP, is voicing her concerns as the Scottish Government has confirmed changes to aspects of voluntary sector funding.

Mrs Grant said: "The Scottish government’s decision to de-ring fence Fairer Scotland Funding is an extremely worrying move.

"In correspondence I have received from Alex Neil stated that ‘the government will not seek to direct local authorities and their community planning partners in how they should manage and invest Fairer Scotland Fund resources’, however it will be up to each local authority to decide how they use this money.

"I had previously received representation from the Voluntary Sector that some Councils were already applying for this funding to fund their own programmes to the detriment of Voluntary Sector funding.

"Now that Councils will control this funding while they face tightening budgets, it is a real worry that this money will be used to deliver in house services leading to a funding cut for the Voluntary Sector.

"The Voluntary Sector provide lifeline services within our communities and I am extremely concerned that many will cease to operate."

Mrs Grant added: "The SNP Government have also confirmed that the Getting it Right For Every Child fund has been incorporated in the local governments settlement in financial year 2008-09.

"They will not direct Council on how to spend this funding.

"This again will impact on Voluntary Sector organisations who support our young people.

" These moves are very worrying