Sector is already at breaking point with rising costs and diminishing funding
Organisations representing UK civil society have made a plea to the chancellor not to impose further financial burdens on the sector.
Infrastructure bodies, including the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), have signed an open letter to Rachel Reeves, urging her to work in partnership with them instead of imposing changes that will contribute to the current running costs and cost-of-living crises.
It comes ahead of the Autumn Budget statement on Wednesday (26 November).
As well as SCVO, the letter is signed by 19 other organisations including the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, Charity Finance Group, Charity Retail Association, Association of Charitable Foundations, and the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations.
Leaders of these infrastructure bodies write of the “negative impact” that changes to employer National Insurance contributions have already had on the sector, changes implemented after last year’s Budget despite appeals from the charity sector.
The letter says: “Rather than engage with ongoing speculation ahead of this Autumn Budget, we wish to make a simple appeal.
“We urge you to ensure that the forthcoming Budget does not place further burdens on the voluntary sector, which already faces a perfect storm of falling funding, rising costs and climbing demand.”
It adds: “We ask that any future proposals are developed in genuine partnership with civil society, in line with the commitments set out in the Civil Society Covenant, which was launched by the prime minister earlier this year.
“This means open communication, early engagement and a shared understanding of the impact on organisations, our staff and volunteers, and the people and communities we work with.”
A Treasury spokesperson said: “The chancellor has set out the context for the Budget, recognising global and long-term economic challenges.
"It will continue to build strong foundations to secure Britain’s future and on the priorities of the British people - cutting waiting lists, cutting national debt and cutting the cost of living.”
