Today’s Spring Statement saw no announcements of additional support for the charity sector, with no mention of charities in the Chancellor’s speech.
There will be concerns for some though, as the cuts to welfare announced prior to today’s statement were confirmed by the Chancellor today, with the Universal Credit health element also due to be cut by 50% for new claimants. These cuts have the potential to increase the need for charities to provide support for the most vulnerable in our society.
Many charities from across the sector are already facing difficult decisions with an increase in NI contributions about to come into effect. The Chancellor’s statement today has done nothing to ease charities’ concerns which were noted by the Shadow Chancellor.
The Chancellor also announced a 15% reduction in administrative budgets, and we hope there are no unintended consequences for the ability of charities to engage with government.
We look forward to the upcoming Spending Review which will hopefully provide more clarity and we will continue to advocate, on behalf of the sector, for more support for charities and the people who rely on them.
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