Budgets charity boost

Charities and community groups struggling to deal with increased demands from society’s most vulnerable people are to get a share of a £100 million support package announced in the Budget.

Charities and community groups struggling to deal with increased demands from society’s most vulnerable people are to get a share of a £100 million support package announced in the Budget.

The money is likely to go to organisations in England which provide vital emergency support such as accommodation, food and heating.

Around three-quarters of the funding will be used to deliver grants in the next year and comes as charities try to cope with the increased cost-of-living pressures, rising demand for their services and reduced donations.

Many of the organisations that could benefit played a vital role in supporting people during the pandemic and have been called on again to help communities as household purses have been squeezed.

Charities Aid Foundation chief executive Neil Heslop welcomed the move because “half of all charities say they are currently worried about their future”, especially as the extra Government support for energy bills tapers off for many this month.

Mr Heslop said: “Charities around the country continue to face rising costs, higher demand for their help and falling donations, so this recognition of their work is a step in the right direction.

“We look forward to hearing more about how this extra money will be targeted to those most in need.”

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said it is “vital” such groups “continue to deliver specialist help and advice for those most in need”.

She added: “This package will mean charities can support organisations whose services are in demand and provide assistance at this challenging time while also providing funding for energy-efficiency measures to reduce their future operating costs.”

Around a quarter of the cash will be used to fund measures over the next two years to increase the energy efficiency and sustainability of voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations.

This could include new boilers, heat pumps and insulation allowing them to deliver more efficient services for vulnerable individuals.

This is in addition to £20 million of funding from the Government’s dormant assets scheme announced earlier this month.

Further details, including the eligibility criteria and delivery mechanism, have yet to be announced.

Published: 15/03/2023 by Radio NewsHub