Northamptonshire's hard hit voluntary groups could have grants increased

An appeal to increase grants to Northamptonshire’s hard hit voluntary sector to stop some organisations from folding will be considered.

The sector has been at the forefront of helping vulnerable people during the pandemic and at this morning’s full county council meeting Labour councillor John McGhee put forward a motion asking the authority to increase the funding it is giving this year to voluntary groups in order to help them survive into the future.

As well as increased demand for help, many organisations have had their incomes hit after social distancing has prevented their usual fundraising activities from going ahead.

Cllr McGhee said: “We know that unfortunately coronavirus has put charities of all sizes under severe financial strain and for some that threat is substantial. If they fail or these services are hollowed out to a mere shell it is the most vulnerable in our society that will fail. I recognise there has been some support by Government through grants and furlough schemes but a national survey recently said that is only about 30 per cent of the support they need to carry on.

“We have got to recognise if we don’t do anything it will cost this council and the two unitaries, especially in social services and youth services.”

The ruling Conservative group proposed an amendment to Cllr McGhee’s motion which said the authority would evaluate the options and examine its finances and look into where money could be taken from the existing budgets.

The finances of NCC have been making headlines for some years – with the authority now infamous for running out of cash in 2018. Since then it has shored up its finances through measures such as cuts to services, selling assets and refinancing loans and this year is currently predicting it will underspend its £445.7m budget by £3.3m.

Cllr Michael Clarke, who proposed the amendment, said it was important for the authority to carry on being financially disciplined.

He said he had tried to find out through the council’s chief finance officer Barry Scarr how much the authority currently gives to voluntary groups, but the answer was not available, so some time would be needed to look at the costings and a report would be brought back to the next full council.

At the meeting a number of councillors paid tribute to the work the voluntary sector has done in recent months. Cllr Danielle Stone said it was ‘simply outstanding’ and that the voluntary sector was filling the gaps the public sector was leaving.

Cllr McGhee said he was confident the extra money could be found.

He said: “I have faith in our cabinet members and directors to find a way. It will cost us more money in the long run if we dont find a way. They are doing a lot of the prevention work that we are unable to do at this minute. It is time to put our money where our mouth is and ensure we do not lose any more of the voluntary sector.”

All of the 50 councillors in attendance voted for the amended motion.