The Third Sector Interface (TSI) Scotland Network spoke out after the Scottish budget

The network representing local third sector groups across Scotland has said the Scottish Government must shift its priorities towards community-level spending. 

The Third Sector Interface (TSI) Scotland Network is calling on the government to ensure communities and a sustainably funded third sector are at the heart of public service reform. 

The new Scottish budget was a great step forward in beginning the reinvestment process in our communities and valued local services, the network said. 

However, the group said the method of investment in reform and change remains unclear.

The TSI Scotland Network represents the 32 expert local Third Sector Interfaces across the country who work to support charities, local organisations and social enterprises.

A spokesperson for the network said: “The old top-down models of investing in high tariff services will not meet the challenge of rising demand and an aging population.

“For that we need to see the Scottish Government mandate the NHS and councils to collaborate with local communities and third sector organisations in commissioning and planning a fairly funded network of local services on a multi-year basis. 

“Only then will we see a concerted shift in spend towards early intervention and prevention at a community level.”

The TSI Scotland Network said the new Scottish budget was a great step forward in beginning the reinvestment process in our communities and valued local services. 

The commitment to developing plans to mitigate the two-child benefit limit underlines an approach from the government that is based on fairness, justice and a commitment to eradicating child poverty.

A spokesperson added: “The budget narrative clearly supported our asks to invest in Public Service Reform combined with extra funds for social care and family support services as well substantial increases for our under-pressure NHS, housing and council services.”

“However, what is unclear is the method of investment in reform and change. The old top-down models of investing in high tariff services will not meet the challenge of rising demand and an aging population.“

“For that we need to see the Scottish Government mandate the NHS and councils to collaborate with local communities and third sector organisations in commissioning and planning a fairly funded network of local services on a multi-year basis. Only then will be see a concerted shift in spend towards early intervention and prevention at a community level.”

The spokesperson also noted that there remained concern over the lack of uplift in the Third Sector Infrastructure budget – which amounts to a real terms cut – as well as a lack of specific investment in Community Wealth Building. 

As the budget is debated through Holyrood they would also like to see further detail on local climate action and consistent investment in employability programmes.