As we look forward to 2025, we know that the VCSEF sector makes a vital contribution to the economy, keeping local wealth local, supporting people into work and creating jobs. However, sustainability is always a key issue for the sector, particularly now as we operate within an environment of rising costs, decreasing funding and increasing demands from our communities and citizens.
What a year it has been and it’s not quite over yet! 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.
NCVO, backed by 7,000 organisations, urged the Chancellor to reconsider National Insurance changes costing charities £1.4bn. While the decision stands, a Civil Society Covenant is proposed to strengthen partnerships with the sector.
What do we make of the Autumn Budget announcement? The proposed increase in taxes and public borrowing brings additional funding for the NHS and local government, but what about the VCSEF sector on whom they are so reliant?
This week NAVCA’s CEO Maddy Desforges attended a Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) round table attended by the Prime Minister, the Culture Secretary and leaders from across the VCSE to launch a period of engagement around a ‘Civil Society Covenant’.
On the 3rd October we held the VCSEF Alliance meeting. There was a good turnout, people were very engaged, and it was great to welcome different groups and see new faces in addition to our regular attendees.