Voluntary Groups Face Funding Crisis

Written by Cllr Barry Stamp on Mon 27th Sep 2004

Lack of funding for voluntary organisations has been highlighted by Stafford's Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate.

Barry Stamp made the comment following his visit to Stafford District Voluntary Services Anniversary Fair in the Market Square on Saturday.

"It is obvious that all the voluntary groups represented on Saturday provide an outstanding and much need service to local residents. However everyone I spoke to told me how difficult it was to raise funds. While some make a small charge for their services, nearly all rely on grants from local and national government. Unfortunately present budget restrictions have resulted in these grants being cut over the last twelve months."

"A good example is the Stafford Furniture Exchange which saw their last grant from Stafford slashed by over 60%."

"I am extremely concerned that unless something is done to reverse this trend that many voluntary groups could face closer in the coming years."

"I have already arranged to visit one of the organisations to talk about the role they play in the town, and the way their service is funded. I am examining the whole question of funding for these organisations and will investigate what help I can give in securing future funding for them," said Barry Stamp