PAVO, acting on behalf of Powys’ 4000+
community groups and voluntary
organisations, has been in discussion with PCC
leaders regarding the budget proposals for
2019-2010.
PAVO does not underestimate the very
difficult, financial challenges and pressures
faced by PCC. Whilst we champion the
contribution of Powys’ third sector, we would
not argue for immunity or favoured treatment.
However, we would press the need for fair
treatment and informed decision making.
We have been asking for copies of meaningful
assessments of the impact of budget proposals
that affect third sector organisations.
- It is disappointing that, to date, such impact assessments that have been prepared in advance of the Council Meeting on 21 February 2019, fall far short of being a meaningful assessment of what the real impacts of proposed budget savings would be. In particular:
- No impact assessment has been published for EDPO5 -100% reduction of community enablement support fund.
- To our knowledge no discussion has taken place with organisations affected by LRP02, LRP03 and other proposals to ascertain what the impact would be in real terms upon services, activities or jobs. The assessments appear to have been produced as a ‘desk exercise’ rather than as an exercise in furnishing decision makers with the accurate and detailed information needed to enable informed decisions.
In addition to the issues of discretionary
expenditure, the documentation published
contains little detail of the nature of proposed
savings in statutory services e.g. social care. It
is, therefore, impossible to ascertain the
nature of these cuts and their effect on people,
services & organisations.
We believe there to be a significant risk of
unintended consequences and
counterproductive outcomes for people and
communities.
PAVO appreciates that there are a huge range
of very difficult issues requiring your collective
decision within the proposed budget, and that
future Council support for community groups
and voluntary services to provide ‘what
matters’ to people is only one aspect of a wider
package of decisions.
Nonetheless, we ask you to satisfy yourselves
that, when making your decisions, this issue is
not overlooked.
In its present situation of having to do ‘more
with less’ and seeking to transform its services
and how they are delivered, Powys County
Council needs a strong and active voluntary
sector in the county.
Reducing or removing the Local Authority’s
financial support of these organisations and
services will diminish their capability to work
alongside the Council in the common cause of
transforming how services are provided in
Powys, both now and in the future.
PAVO remains committed to working with
Powys County Council on its service
transformation and economic regeneration
journey. But any decisions taken now that
damage the capability of community groups
and voluntary organisations, be they big or
small, to carry out their activity will only serve
to weaken our Sector’s ability and confidence
to work alongside the Council in the months
and years ahead.
Should you wish further information about the
issues covered in this Briefing or would like to
discuss them PAVO’s Trustees and Staff are
happy to assist. Please contact us on 01597
822191 or info@pavo.org
IMPACT ILLUSTRATIONS
These are examples of impact based on enquiries received by PAVO from third sector groups,
together with information supplied to PAVO:
1. MULTIPLIER EFFECT
ADVICE ORGANISATION – receives grant of £3,800 from PCC. If the grant is removed the
ability of the organisation to pay core costs eg rent will be severely compromised. If the
organisation’s viability is put at risk £30,000 worth of services will be lost.
2. RIPPLE EFFECT
VILLAGE HALL – probable removal of core grant by PCC that puts at risk the future of the
important community facility. If the hall closes, there is no, obvious alternative for the
community groups that rely on the hall for their activities – community choir, lunch club,
youth group, yoga class etc
3. CARE EFFECT
ART ORGANISATION – probable removal of core grant that the organisation uses to pay
essential bills eg electricity, gas etc. Although it receives grants from other sources to
fund service provision, these grants do not enable to organisation to pay for core costs.
If the organisation’s future is put at risk it will no longer be able to support the wellbeing
of people through its art services, including an inspiring services developed with those
that live with dementia and their carers.
4. SUPPORT EFFECT
PAVO – PAVO’s core service is to support Powys’ voluntary sector by helping to
strengthen volunteering, nurture sustainable funding, foster good governance and
facilitate an influential, strategic voice. The proposed removal of the core grant to PAVO
will significantly reduce our ability to develop the sector at a time when Powys needs its
third sector more than ever.
NB: The type of impact illustrated above has not been captured in any impact
assessment prepared for the budget discussions. In some instances an impact
assessment has not been prepared at all.
If impacts such as these came about, it would increase demand on statutory services.
Short-term savings would result in increased costs in the longer term
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