Funding concerns raised at community sector forum

Community and voluntary groups in the north west had the opportunity to put their concerns directly to the government today at the Joint Government Voluntary and Community Sector Forum meeting in the Verbal Arts Centre, Londonderry.

The forum consists of senior civil servants from every government department along with representatives from a cross-section of the voluntary and community sector.

The forum meets three times a year to provide a mechanism for general strategic discussion about issues affecting the voluntary and community sector and encourages the development of a shared approach to issues and concerns where possible.

Concerns about funding of groups in the north west were put to the meeting by delegates. Those attending also heard about the actions that have been identified by government, in consultation with the sector, to help address these problems.

Dave Wall, Director of the Voluntary and Community Unit in the Department for Social Development and Joint Chair of the Forum, said: “We know from our own contacts and from recent press coverage, that groups in this area have real concerns about their future funding. These were brought to the attention of the forum and we discussed the various initiatives that government is taking to address the concerns.

“These include the imminent release of £6 million of special funding to help voluntary and community sector organisations continue to provide key services and the establishment of a special task force that will examine the future funding of the voluntary and community sector.

“We regret the decision of the North West Community Network to call for a day of stoppage. Disrupting vital services to older people, people with disabilities, children and women affected by domestic violence is not the best way to find a solution.”

(GMcG)