Dear Colleagues,
What a year it has been and it’s not quite over yet!
First, some not so good news; the latest update on the proposed rise in National Insurance Contributions is that on 17th December 2024 MPs across the political spectrum tabled amendments to the National Insurance Contributions Bill that would keep the employer NI contributions rate at 13.8% for organisations in the VCSEF sector.
However, a majority of MPs voted against these amendments and the next time this will be debated will be in the House of Lords. Undoubtedly, the VCSEF sector will feel the impact of the rise in National Insurance Contributions through the payroll in real terms and if the extra money needed to continue their current services cannot be found, may have to close.
The work, impact and contribution to the local and national economy of the VCSEF sector in communities should not be taken for granted. Over the last year, WVCA has been able to allocate approximately £350,000 in grants across the city to the Wolverhampton VCSEF sector. This has been through commissioned work and projects including, for example, volunteering post Covid, social enterprise growth and development, tackling loneliness and social isolation and children’s physical activity projects.
We recently ran our VCSEF Sector Survey to capture a snapshot of who works in the sector, what the sector looks like and what the sector does in Wolverhampton. The survey has now closed, and we are busy collating the data and pulling our findings together. We will be sharing the insights and outcomes of the survey with the VCSEF sector at our next VCSEF Alliance meeting and with partners in the new year.
It is important for us to understand and value the depth and breadth of the work of the VCSEF sector which is predominantly staffed by volunteers. We know that over Christmas and the New Year, the VCSEF sector will continue to deliver a range of services to people, including, for example, operating food banks, providing warm spaces and making sure that people are not alone on Christmas day.
We have a lot of work to do in 2025, we are looking forward to continuing to work in partnership with the VCSEF sector to support development and sustainability; after all, we are stronger together,
On behalf of the WVCA board and staff, here’s wishing you all a peaceful festive break,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Thank you