We’re worrying about the government’s provisional budget settlement for Surrey County Council. It could harm disadvantaged people and voluntary groups such as Citizens Advice.
We aren’t alone. Two different voices sounding the same warning:
1 Citizens Advice Newcastle has been told by its council that core funding will be withdrawn completely. If this happens the bureau will close. The trustees are patiently but firmly explaining why this would be a sad mistake. They have gathered supporters locally and across the country. At time of writing their change.org petition had 1200 signatures.
2 National Audit Office has published a note on government cost-cutting. Its conclusion: Deficit reduction means less money for most government departments and, in turn, for the local services they fund. In four recent reports we have pointed to the consequences when central government departments decide on funding reductions without the understanding needed to ensure the sustainability of services and organisations.
Everyone accepts the budget deficit must be reduced. But according to SCC the cuts to council budgets risk making local government “unsustainable”*.
Our vice-chair of trustees, Richard Hoffman, has written to local MPs. He hopes they will recognise the potential damage and do whatever they can to get the settlement improved.
Surrey has always recognised the role of voluntary groups. Councillors know that somewhere to turn for help close to home is one of the foundations of the community. Our worry is this great long-term commitment will be at risk if the provisional budget stands.
*Council 09 February 2016 Item 05