Voluntary Sector Set For Rough Ride

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 17th Jan 2003

Voluntary sector organisations in the borough look set to face a great deal of hardship this year after a report from Bedford Borough Council showed funding for 2003 is likely to be 22% lower than last year.

The report to the councils Community and Culture Policy Review and Development Committee which includes a recommendation as to how the money should be awarded is £105,000 less than the previous years voluntary sector allocation. This has resulted in cuts across the board for voluntary organisations within the borough.

Commenting on the Report Lib Dem Spokesperson on Community issues, Cllr Jennifer Heseltine said:

"These recommendations will come as a dreadful blow to the voluntary sector. These organisations provide a vital service to many people in the borough. They provide services without which the borough would be much worse off. A cut of 22% on the money they receive from the council will be devastating. What we have is many good applications either not being funded at all now or not getting the money they need to keep running."

"She added:"

"What is needed is for the Mayor to recognise the value of these organisations!"