Limited pilots announced earlier this year were welcome, but more must be done, says SCVO
Scotland’s national membership organisation for the voluntary sector has reiterated the need for fair funding as the the first minister announced his government’s plans for the year.
John Swinney spoke one year since he was elected first minister and one year before the end of this parliament on Tuesday, making a number of commitments including the scrapping of peak rail fares across Scotland.
He also promised more rights and stronger protections for tenants, better access to GP appointments, and a "best in UK" cost of living guarantee.
He said: “This programme for government is focused on providing the best cost of living support across the UK, as well as delivering a renewed and stronger NHS.
“When I became first minister a year ago, I heard loud and clear people’s concerns about the NHS which is why I am taking serious action to ensure the NHS meets the needs of the public.
“This PfG also shows decisive action to protect Scotland’s economy and maximise our economic potential in the face of global challenges.
“It is being published earlier than usual, in part because it allows a clear year of delivery on the NHS and other public services, but also due to the scale of the looming economic challenge.
“It is a programme for a better Scotland, for a stronger NHS and a more resilient and wealthier Scotland. It is a programme for government that gets our nation on track for success.”
However, those representing the voluntary sector warned the restated budget commitment to Fairer Funding pilots was a “very small part” of the government’s investment in the voluntary sector.
Anna Fowlie, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations' (SCVO) chief executive, said: “Today’s programme for government restates the Scottish Government’s commitment to Fairer Funding for the voluntary sector, which SCVO and colleagues across the voluntary sector will welcome.
“While not a new announcement, the Fairer Funding pilot – which commits £120 million over two years to voluntary sector projects focusing on essential services and eradicating child poverty - is a step in the right direction.
“Today’s announcement that this will include an interim evaluation by May 2026 to inform future approaches is also a welcome and essential commitment, as is the recognition of the sector’s role in public service reform, and we look forward to the publication of the public service reform strategy in June 2025.
“The Fairer Funding pilot is, however, a very small part of the government’s overall £1 billion investment in the voluntary sector and multi-year funding alone is not Fair Funding. This will not be sufficient to deliver the fair, flexible, sustainable and accessible funding landscape that voluntary organisations, our public services, people, and communities need and deserve.”
She added: “To achieve Fairer Funding by 2026, and to make good on the PfG’s rhetoric that this government recognises ‘the importance of a thriving third sector in Scotland’, the Scottish Government must go further.
“Further clarity is needed in the upcoming Medium-Term Financial Strategy to recognise, resource, and support the voluntary sector - including a longer-term commitment to multi-year funding, the full costs of employing staff, and action on fiscal transparency.”
