LGA: Local authorities working to plug charity funding gap
Sir Merrick Cockell, chairman of the Local Government Association, regrets having to take "tough" financial decisions but says local authorities are working to plug the gaps left by cuts:
"The severity of cuts to council budgets means savings are having to be made across the board, and unfortunately funding to charities, voluntary organisations and community groups is not exempt.
"Decisions to reduce financial support to the voluntary sector will never be taken lightly and local authorities have rightly carried out full and frank consultations before reducing funding to groups.
"Many councils and voluntary sector groups have sat down together to consider budgets and come up with joint solutions to the tough financial decisions they have had to take.
"Even where local authorities have had to reduce the amount of money they give to charities, they are working to help them plug the gap by providing advice and support with services such as project planning, human resources and media promotion."
