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Voluntary Sector Forum, representing the voluntary and community
sector in London, has hit out at the Association of London
Government’s plans to review its funding priorities,
claiming any redistribution of cash could hit the sector hard.
The Forum has rebuked the ALG’s claims that the funding
will be “safe in councils’ hands”, saying
this is unlikely to be enforceable and cash earmarked for
the voluntary sector is at risk of being siphoned off for
other council business.
”The latest revelation has heaped yet more uncertainty
on the voluntary sector,” said Michael Murray, co-director
of adviceUK London Region and co-chair of the Voluntary
Sector Forum.
“We’ve also been advised that voluntary groups
will have to lobby local councils to make sure that this
funding does go to local voluntary sector services, taking
away more time and energy from what we’re supposed
to be doing – delivering services to thousands of
people who need them,” Murray added. “The situation
is becoming increasingly difficult. We’re dealing
with one surprise after another.”
The decision to recommend the level of funding is expected
to be made on 5 September by an executive committee of nine
ALG Grants Committee members. The ALG Leaders Committee
is to decide on the recommendation in October.
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