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Smart Solutions in Tough Times
About the campaign
NICVA believes that voluntary and community organisations offer a smart solution to the tough economic decisions that lie ahead.
We want to ensure that voluntary and community organisations are not seen as an easy target for cuts that government departments may have to make. In most cases the services delivered by voluntary and community organisations are effective, efficient and provide real value for money. We know that there will be increased demand for many of the services provided by voluntary and community organisations as the social and economic consequences of the cuts roll out. The voluntary and community sector isn't only about providing services - community development is an important part of life in Northern Ireland contributing to social cohesion, participation and building social capital.
Smart Solutions in Tough Times will showcase the voluntary and community sector to help ensure that vulnerable and disadvantaged people, families and communities continue to receive the services they need and the hard work done to build up communities does not start to unravel due to difficult financial pressures.
How will we do this?
By gathering evidence, organising roundtable meetings with government departments, holding one to one briefings with Ministers, MLAs and key officials, briefing Assembly committees and running a media campaign, Smart Solutions in Tough Times will encourage government departments to treat the sector fairly and guard against the unintended consequences of any decisions made, by focusing on the priorities and outcomes they would like to see, rather than basing decisions on what can be cut quickly and easily.
Latest from the campaign
Check this page regularly for updates on the campaign as it develops - all the latest news and upcoming events are listed on the right.
Have your say
Check out the campaign blog to see what people are saying about the budget cuts and give your views.
Background
With UK public expenditure undergoing major cuts since the Westminster election, Northern Ireland’s budget settlement for 2011 to 2015 will be harsh and is likely to see a reduction in real terms of £1.2 billion over the four years.
NICVA is worried that these cuts will have an unfair and disproportionate impact on voluntary and community organisations that deliver important public services. Government funding to the voluntary and community sector is £260 million, 45% of the sector’s income. Most of this goes to pay for services which the sector delivers so efficiently that it saves public money.
Useful Resources
Collaboration and Merger Newsletter
Case Studies
If you are delivering Smart Solutions in Tough Times then we also want to showcase your work, so tell us what you're doing and tell others.
NICVA will highlight the work being done by the voluntary and community sector to help ensure that vulnerable and disadvantaged people, families and communities continue to receive the services they need and the hard work done to build up communities does not start to unravel due to difficult financial pressures.
