Local voluntary groups are facing a tough financial prospect for the next 12 months and relationships with local authorities are coming under strain, according to the latest National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA) survey.
The survey reveals that 40% of respondents felt their relationship with their local authority had deteriorated over the past year, with 40% expecting their local council to have a negative impact on their success over the next 12 months.
Local voluntary groups also said they are pessimistic about the coming months, with only 24% saying their financial situation will improve.
Joe Irvin, chief executive of NAVCA, said: ‘These findings illustrate why we need the Government’s proposed sustainability fund. Our members know better than anyone how local charities and community groups are faring. For nearly two years now they have been telling us that things are not getting better for local groups.
‘It concerns me that relationships with local councils appear to be getting worse in some areas. I suspect cuts to services are a factor, which is why now is precisely the time when councils should be working with our members to help their communities. I know that the best councils realise the value of their local voluntary sector and the vital role NAVCA members can play.’
Of those surveyed though only 20% were considering cutting services as a result of financial pressures, with 28% looking to increase their range of services over the next 12 months.
