Share your views: Third sector funding challenges under the spotlight
/This article was featured in the SCDC Weekly - 24th July 2024.
What does fair and efficient funding look like for the third sector in Scotland? That’s the question the Social Justice and Social Security Committee is asking, and SCDC are seeking views as we submit our response.
The parliamentary committee launched its consultation as part of the pre-budget scrutiny process, reflecting concerns about funding challenges faced by the sector.
Anyone running a third sector organisation will know well the impact that uncertainty, delays and reductions in funding can cause – especially in an environment where strained public services mean additional pressure on community organisations.
A recent survey of community-led health organisations by CHEX found a working environment where they felt overwhelmed by the level of demand, and the lack of resource. “It’s like playing whack a mole”, said one person, with resources taken up by frontline delivery and meeting acute need rather than longer-term planning.
This difficulty in long-term planning is a key issue, highlighting the need for multi-year funding arrangements and inflationary uplifts that recognise the precarious position many organisations face. The Scottish Government have previously committed to fairer funding models by 2026.
If you are a third sector / community organisation and you’d like to contribute to the response, you can fill in our short survey by 9th August and help us provide a comprehensive response to the committee’s questions.
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