Voluntary and community sector representatives meet senior officials to discuss budget

A frank discussion on the situation regarding public expenditure took place. Voluntary and community sector participants stressed that they wanted to ensure services provided by the sector are not cut disproportionately or unfairly.  This is particularly important as these services can help cushion the worst social and economic impacts of public expenditure cuts.

The meeting discussed the value for money that voluntary and community sector providers can offer government departments. The point was made that cutting much of the preventive work done by these organisations will have much wider social and economic impacts.  Representatives also pointed out that the system needs to guard against the unintended consequences of any decisions made,  by focusing on the priorities and outcomes it would like to see, rather than basing decisions on what can be cut quickly and easily.

The meeting also discussed community development and the value of the voluntary and community sector in contributing to social cohesion, participation and building social capital. Sector representatives expressed their fears that community development is particularly vulnerable to cuts and warned that invaluable work in communities should not be allowed to unravel due to difficult financial pressures.

The issue of disproportionate auditing and excessive bureaucracy in the funding relationship between government and the sector was also raised. There was general agreement that this long standing issue could become the focus of some work between the sector and government in the coming months.

Speaking after the meeting, NICVA Chief Executive Seamus McAleavey said:

"This was an important meeting for the voluntary and community sector and we are pleased with the level of attendance from government departments and their willingness to engaging in an open and realistic discussion.  The voluntary and community sector delegation made it clear that we did not arrive at the meeting with a begging bowl and the discussion drilled down into the key message from our sector – treat us fairly. We also wanted to showcase how voluntary and community organisations can provide value for money, do things efficiently and provide really smart solutions for the tough times we are facing.”

The briefing paper NICVA produced for the meeting can be downloaded here.

Your chance to talk to key departmental officials

NICVA is organising a series of roundtable meetings with key officials responsible for departmental budgets and voluntary and community organisations, by area of interest.  The meetings will discuss future spending plans in the department and we are to secure dates for meeting with all departments between August and October 2010.  The first meeting will be with the Department of Regional Development and will take place in NICVA on 2 September from 3.00pm – 4.30pm.

To book your place contact cathy.breslin@nicva.org