Cuts to local government budgets and financial uncertainty around the cost-of-living crisis are “causing huge problems” for small charities, a major charity is warning.

The warning has come from the Carers Trust, which supports a network of small charities that help carers across the UK, after the closure of one its network members was announced this week.

West Norfolk Carers has revealed it is to close due to losing its funding from Norfolk County Council and failing to alternative grants.

This is a situation small charities will increasingly face unless action is taken, according to Carers Trust director of policy and public affairs Dominic Carter.

“All unpaid carers deserve and sorely need access to support, and their need is particularly pressing during the current cost of living crisis, said Carter.

“Unfortunately, that financial climate is also causing huge problems for many smaller charities. These pressures have been made more acute still as many local authorities have experienced huge cuts to their budgets, constraining their ability to fund local services.

“It is vital that decision makers at a local and national level do what they can to stop more essential services like West Norfolk Carers having to shut their doors.”

He added that the Carers Trust is “very sorry” that the charity is being forced to close.

“The dedicated staff there have provided expert help and advice to countless carers over the past three decades.”

West Norfolk Carers says it is to close on March 28.

“Due to experiencing a lack of successful funding bids in recent months and the imminent loss of existing income stream West Norfolk Carers as a charity can no longer continue,” it said in a statement.

It is with great sadness and regret to announce that West Norfolk Carers is closing on March 28th.
Due to experiencing a lack of successful funding bids in recent months and the imminent loss of existing income stream West Norfolk Carers as a charity can no longer continue.

— West Norfolk Carers (@WNCarers) January 26, 2024

Last year councils’ representative body the Local Government Association said local authorities across England face a £4bn funding gap. This is a £1bn uplift on its previous estimate amid increasing cost and demand pressures facing councils.

West Norfolk Carers is the third charity to announce this year it is to close amid financial concerns.

The other two are Autism Understanding Scotland and homelessness support charity House of St Barnabas.

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