Some voluntary sector organisations expect to both increase the services they offer and their expenditure, the national council for voluntary organisation's (NCVO) latest quarterly charity forecast survey reveals.

Despite testing times for the sector, charity leaders have actual plans to increase services (42%) and increase expenditure (40%) even though they felt the economic conditions of the Sector would be negative (81%) and the financial situation of their own organisation would worsen (42%).

The Forecast, based on responses from chief executives, directors, trustees and senior managers of charities and voluntary sector organisations, also reveals that nearly three quarters of organisations plan to collaborate more over the next twelve months.

One Forecast respondent said: "We have just lost £30,000 of core funding... at a time when client referrals have increased by 63% on the same six month period last year."

Stuart Etherington, CEO, NCVO said: "It is plain to see that organisations are facing increasing demands on their services with fewer resources. It is encouraging that charities are reaching out to even more people in need despite facing tough times ahead.

"Our sector is sometimes the only route to reaching vulnerable people and giving them a voice. It is crucial local government properly value and support projects run by voluntary and community organisations when they are developing spending plans."

The results also showed that:

Nearly half (49%) do not plan to increase or decrease their paid staff numbers.

Over half (51%) expect to compete more with other organisations over the next twelve months.

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