Do or die – how to survive cuts and recession
Ideas from some local voluntary groups to balance certainty with uncertainty so you might survive the impact of external economic and political factors and your ability to respond to community needs.
What’s most important to do? Read more
It’s official: commissioning is bad for voluntary action
Local authorities and other statutory agencies are damaging relationships with local voluntary and community sectors and undermining the independence of voluntary action, reveals a new report from the National Coalition for Independent Action (NCIA).
What’s 2010 bringing & what’s NCIA doing ’bout it?
2010 promises to be a year of change, upheaval and hardship. On the one hand there is the prospect of a change in government following the General Election. Although the result of the election may lead to some change in the way in which the government behaves and in its choice of priorities, in truth there is little to choose between the parties, which continue to fight for the middle ground and operate according to a consensual managerial and ideological creed. Of overwhelmingly greater importance, the year will see the impact of the country’s indebtedness resulting from the massive transfer of public assets to the private banking sector as, we, the people, are required to bear the cost of this. This will show itself in increased taxation, significant reductions in public spending and deterioration in the quantity and quality of public services. All parties are committed to this direction of travel.
Funding criteria get narrower and narrower
Bob Widdowson describes the slow drip drip of what is being lost and
what is taking its place in “a small advice service in a northern town.
Been around for 20 years. Well used, three staff, run down premises and
not much in the way of technology. Only such service for miles around.
Lottery funding runs out and no replacement funding there. Local
council, the main funder for many years, offers a three year funding
deal, but at a reduced amount and with no inflation. Welcome to the
world of fundraising…..
Read more
The Choice – speaking truth to power or keeping quiet
The Independent Theatre Council
ITC is a leading association for the performing arts, representing around 700 organisations across the UK from a wide range of performing arts organisations, venues and individuals in the fields of drama, dance, opera, music theatre, puppetry, mixed media, mime, physical theatre and circus.
Good news or bad news – make up your own mind
We didn’t know where to put this on the website. It’s a story of all
the bad things that are going on which led to the Coalition. But it
also shows bravery and resilience in response to abuse of power. So
you’ll find this story under both good and bad news.