Tag: funding crisis

More support for Scottish universities

Further £10 million for Scottish Funding Council to support the university sector

Additional support is to be made available through the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) to support universities facing financial challenges.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said an additional £10 million will be provided to the SFC to support higher education institutions such as the University of Dundee as they navigate current financial challenges.

It brings total additional support for the sector from the Scottish Government to £25 million, on top of the £1.1 billion in the 2025-26 budget for university teaching and research.

The Scottish Government will convene a range of expertise from across the higher education sector, government, and Dundee City Region to support the University of Dundee while it develops its Financial Recovery Plan. This is in addition to work already underway by the SFC, which engages closely with universities on financial sustainability.

Ms Gilruth said: “The Scottish Government is providing an additional £10 million support package to assist universities such as Dundee with navigating immediate financial challenges. This is on top of the £15 million of extra support previously announced for the sector in February.

“Ministers have held further meetings with the University of Dundee, unions and the Scottish Funding Council this week, building on the extensive engagement that has already taken place with the institution since financial issues came to light.

“Both the Higher Education Minister and I have conveyed our deep concern at the level of job losses currently being discussed at the University. While the University is an autonomous institution, it is our clear expectation that the University’s leadership works with us, and engages fully with staff and trade unions, to explore all options to protect jobs.

“Work will continue in the coming days to convene the right range of expertise from across government, the sector, and the wider city region to support the institution as it continues to develop its Financial Recovery Plan.

“Scotland’s universities play a pivotal role in the economy and wider society, and they must be supported to thrive into the future. This support package is another clear sign of the Scottish Government’s commitment to support the sector with financial challenges – challenges which have been compounded by UK Government policies on migration and employer National Insurance contributions.” 

Chief Executive of Scottish Funding Council Francesca Osowska said: “We welcome Scottish Ministers’ continued commitment to the tertiary sector and confirmation of this additional funding.

“Recognising the particular challenges facing the University of Dundee, we look forward to engaging with a wide range of partners to secure its continued success as a world-renowned University delivering excellent outcomes for learners and researchers and contributing to economic growth and social wellbeing.”

The additional £10 million capital funding has been identified from within the education portfolio.

Millennium Centre Funding Crisis: Public Meeting Tonight

COUNCILLORS MISSING BUT LIFT COMMUNITY MEETING GOES AHEAD

It is looking like NO councillors will attend but Peter, Brenda, Stacey and hopefully our chair will be on the panel to take and answer your questions the best they can, we will take a list of your questions and make sure they are sent to the relevant department within the council or to the councillors

We will have a petition to request the centre receives at least one years funding to help us to stay open.

We have been told that the budget is already set in stone but we are asking for any monies left from the 24/25 budget as we already know we wouldn’t be even a thought in the new 25/26 budget

We have been told this isn’t possible but two years ago funding was found for us so we don’t see why they can’t do this again

If you can come along to the meeting please do – and sign our petition!

Thank you

Please share this post

Funding SOS: Public meeting at Muirhouse Millennium Centre

LIFT: SAVE OUR CENTRE – SIGN THE PETITION

WEDNESDAY 26th FEBRUARY from 6 – 7.30pm

Please see above a poster from our Parents who attended and delivered the deputation to the Councillors yesterday. We had some mums in the gallery who behaved extremely well but were disheartened by the sheer ignorance of over half the councillors who didn’t look up nor listen to many of the deputations being delivered.

They feel they have no choice but to ask for community support and a petition to ask for funding to keep their centre open not just for one year but for longer term funding for us and other community-owned community centres who are delivering some amazing work.

We have enough funding to the end of the year and depend on room hire and fundraising to keep us open.

Why do we have to every few years have to go cap in hand to the councillors we elected to ask for funding for vital resources based within our community?

We hope to have some councillors to sit on a panel and answer some questions but if they do not come we will have a panel of local people who will take questions and make sure these are sent to our local councillors and politicians.

Look forward to seeing you next week.

Thank you

The Parents from LIFT@ Muirhouse Millennium Centre

Scots charities forced to draw from reserves despite funding stabilisation 

New research from SCVO outlines the state of the sector’s finances

Charities across Scotland have continued to draw on their reserves “unsustainably” despite funding from government staying relatively stable, new research shows.  

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has published its latest research, State of the Sector 2024, which shows the challenges which organisations across Scotland continue to face.  

The paper, which contains key figures and trends from the Scottish voluntary sector, shows funding from government has stayed relatively stable, while income from the public has to a large extent recovered after being hit hard by Covid. 

Unfortunately, for many voluntary organisations inflation and expenditure rises have matched and outpaced these hard-won gains. 

While most organisations were able to stay in the black, the margins are wafer-thin and there has been a steady rise in the numbers of organisations ending the year with a deficit. In 2023, 45% of charities spent more than they managed to generate. 

These narrow margins and rising deficits have seen charities continue to draw on their reserves unsustainably while they try to identify new sources of funding or have to consider reducing services – link to Reserves doc and Tracker. 

SCVO also published a review of Scottish voluntary organisations’ financial reserves, which found the value of the funds looked after by the sector fell by £1billion between 2021 and 2023. 

The average value of funds held by large charities fell by £5million, from £17m in 2021 to £12m in 2023. 

Half of medium and large charities now have less than six months expenditure in reserves and nearly 1 in 3 large charities has less than three months of expenditure in reserves. 

Ilse Mackinnon, SCVO Research Officer, said: “It’s been sobering looking at charities’ accounts this year and seeing just how tight finances are for many. People have been telling us via the Tracker and anecdotally that things are tough, but it’s another thing seeing the figures in black and white.   

“It’s great that many income streams have recovered but we also saw essentials like energy bills, rents and staff costs shoot up, sometimes to double what they were the previous year.  

“We can see the impact of that on reserves, with many charities struggling to meet costs and keep enough cash back for emergencies.” 

EVOC: No Time to Lose

A Third Sector Response to the Draft EIJB Strategic Plan for 2025-28

In response to the EIJB consultation inviting people and organisations to have a say on the draft Strategic Plan for 2025 – 28, the Third Sector Reference Group is working on a contribution on behalf of our sector.

This is another in a series of actions in light of the future funding crisis third sector organisations are facing across the city.

Download the draft Strategic Plan

Take Action

Your input to this response is vital and we would ask any and all third sector groups and organisations to share your hopes, fears and priorities, by answering the 9 questions in this short survey.

You are also encouraged to submit a separate response individually, feeding back on the identified priorities, planned actions and measures of success.

You can find out more and submit a response to the consultation here.

Please be aware that the deadline for the consultation submission is extremely tight – Sunday 23rd Feb 2025. 

This is strongly influencing the actions we are focusing on to deliver the best outcome for the sector.

The Reference Group has pulled together several resources that you might find useful:

EIJB draft Strategic Plan 25-28Download

Third Sector Funding Cuts: Edinburgh’s Health and Social Care Services at Risk

Light at the End of the Tunnel? 

Edinburgh’s third sector is facing a funding crisis that could result in the loss of essential  health and social care services. Sixty-four third sector organisations, which provide vital  support to the city’s most vulnerable residents, are at risk following proposed funding cuts  by the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB).

The potential closure of these organisations  would not only impact service users but could also lead to the loss of 200 jobs, many  through compulsory redundancies. 

Scottish Labour MSP for the Lothian Region, Foysol Choudhury, is actively engaging with  Edinburgh City Council to advocate for greater clarity and support for these organisations. “I  have been asking the council to consider taking over the funding of the 64 organisations,”  he said.  

In response, Councillor Jane Meagher, Leader of Edinburgh City Council, has indicated a  positive step forward: “Our Finance Convenor proposed an additional £2 million of transition funding for  Edinburgh’s third sector service providers.

“The work that these organisations do helps local  people, many of whom desperately need this assistance and support.

“I’m pleased that by  raising this in Committee, we allowed all attending councillors to indicate support for finding  more money to help Edinburgh’s charitable and volunteering groups, some of which are  facing existential cuts following a decision by the EIJB.” 

Community Pressure and Temporary Relief 

Public outcry in response to the proposed cuts in November 2024 led to their rejection, with  the EIJB pledging to collaborate with affected organisations to seek alternative solutions.

In  December 2024, the EIJB extended the existing grants—originally set to expire on 31 March 2025—by three months. However, this extension provides only temporary relief, with no  long-term security for the organisations involved.

While some may secure alternative  funding, others could be forced to close, leaving significant gaps in service provision. 

Council Report Highlights Risks 

A report submitted to Edinburgh City Council and Officers following an initial assessment of  the situation highlighted serious concerns.

The report concluded that the closure of the EIJB  grants programme poses a substantial risk to the financial viability of many third sector  organisations, many of which are key partners in delivering council services.

The potential  closure of these organisations could undermine the council’s ability to deliver existing  projects, programmes, and priorities, further exacerbating social inequalities across  Edinburgh.

A Call for Sustainable Solutions 

MSP Choudhury remains committed to advocating for a sustainable funding solution that  protects essential services and jobs: “I will continue to push for sustainable funding solutions that protect the essential services our communities rely on,” Mr Choudhury affirmed. 

With the future of Edinburgh’s third sector organisations hanging in the balance, all eyes are  now on the council and EIJB to ensure long-term solutions are found to protect these vital  services.

EIJB: Draft Strategic Plan consultation

Edinburgh Integration Joint Board draft strategic plan – HAVE YOUR SAY

A consultation on the EIJB’s draft strategic plan is now open:

https://bit.ly/3E4amM1

We would like you to share your views on Edinburgh Integration Joint Board’s (IJB) Draft Strategic Plan.

This plan covers the three financial years running from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2028.

Our purpose as an IJB is to provide the best health and social care services that we can with the resources we have available.

This means working to make Edinburgh a safer, healthier and fairer place to live for everybody.

This latest version of the plan has been produced with extensive input from the citizens of Edinburgh and the many organisations and teams that serve our communities.  

We would like to know if you think we have the right priorities, if you agree with what we are planning to do and if you think the way we plan to measure our success is right. Please use the form on the following pages to tell us what you think. You can answer as many or as few of the questions as you like.

Give us your views:

Online Survey

We are also holding two events where you can share your views with us:

You can download a copy of the draft plan document at the bottom of this page.

If you need help accessing the documents or completing the form, please email ehscp.communications@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Have your say on the priorities, planned actions and measures of success.

EIJB draft Strategic Plan 25-28Download

#EIJBConsultation

EIJB funding crisis: Agenda for tomorrow’s conference

To attendees and those who wished to be kept in touch about conference developments:

Hi,

Thank you for attending the workshop on Saturday or for expressing an interest in campaign developments. We will produce a written report on the conclusions arising out of the discussion at the plenary session of the workshop.

Attached is the agenda for the workshop on Saturday,

One of the key issues to be discussed at the workshop is the City Council’s response to the proposed cut in funding to third sector organisations.

The cut will take effect on 30/6/25. However, we understand that Council action to mitigate the effects of the cuts will be discussed during the Council’s budget setting meeting on 20/2/25.

There may need to be a lobby of the Council meeting.

Regards,

Des Loughney
Secretary
Edinburgh TUC

EDINBURGH SOCIAL CARE CAMPAIGN – THE WAY FORWARD

Unitecd Augustine Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL

Workshop Saturday 18th January 2025

AGENDA

Chair: Ian Mullen (UNISON City of Edinburgh Council Branch)

9.30 am – 10.00 am: Tea/ coffee and biscuits.

10.00 am – 11 am. Introduction to workshop

Des Loughney – Secretary, UNITE Edinburgh Not For Profit Branch (1)

Councillor Tim Pogson – Vice Chair of the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (2)

Denise Ritchie: Fair Work Project Officer, Scottish Trades Union Congress (3)

Linda Sommerville: Deputy General Secretary, Scottish Trades Union Congress. (3)

11am to 12.30pm Working Groups ( two)

12.30 pm to 1.00 pm – Plenary Session and summing up.

Speakers:

  1. Des Loughney will comment on the impact of the proposed EIJB cuts on services and third sector worker terms and conditions. The impact includes compulsory redundancies and downgrading of contracts of employment from guaranteed working weeks to zero hour contracts,
  2. Councillor Tim Pogson will update us on the response of the Council to the proposed EIJB cuts. The City Council is seeking to mitigate the impact of the cuts on the third sector.
  3. Denise Ritchie and Linda Sommervile will brief the workshop on proposed campaigning activity at a local level and a Scottish level.
agenda18_1_25 (1)Download

Sue Bruce confirmed as Chair of Creative Scotland review

Survey launches to seek views of cultural sector

Dame Sue Bruce will chair the review of Creative Scotland, Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has announced.

The review will examine Creative Scotland’s remit, functions and how it can best support the culture sector’s ambitions for renewal. It will be the first review of Creative Scotland since its establishment in 2010, as part of a wider commitment to review how the culture sector is supported.

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson welcomed the “wealth of experience” Dame Sue Bruce will bring to the review, with previous roles in Scotland’s arts and local government sectors.

Mr Robertson said: “I’m delighted that Dame Sue Bruce has agreed to chair the Creative Scotland review. She brings a wealth of experience from previous roles in the arts and local government sectors, making her well-placed to conduct a thorough and independent review into how Creative Scotland supports the arts in Scotland.

“The 2025-26 Scottish Budget includes a record £34 million uplift for culture. I am determined to maximise the impact of every penny of that. The review will consider the diversity of potential sources of funding, such as philanthropy, for culture – to underpin a more sustainable and resilient cultural sector in the years to come.

“The intention of this review is to ensure views the length and breadth of Scotland are heard swiftly and the vitally important contribution that artists and cultural organisations do for our nation and our identity is recognised, valued and well-supported.

“The Scottish Government has also today launched a new survey seeking views on how culture and the arts are currently supported in Scotland and areas for change. The responses will help inform the scope of the review so I would encourage all those with an interest to respond to our survey.”

Dame Sue Bruce said: “Culture and the arts reflect our values, aspirations and history as a country and the people who work in the sector make an invaluable contribution to our society and our economy.

“I look forward to working with the sector and Creative Scotland to ensure that it’s remit and functions continue to be relevant for the culture sector today, recognising that there has been much change in the sector since 2010 when Creative Scotland was first established.”

EIJB Decision Day: Edinburgh’s Third Sector calls for clarity on future funding

It has been six weeks since the decision by the Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board (EIJB) to retain the Third Sector Grants Programme, worth £4.5 million, until the end of this financial year.

While a much-welcomed reversal of the initial proposal to pull the grant from 64 charities from January 2025, the forecasted cuts have left many of these registered charities in Edinburgh in doubt over their long-term future.

Edinburgh Community Health Forum strategic development manager Stephanie-Anne Harris, said: “Without the necessary funding, closures are inevitable. These community-led charities cannot afford to exist without long-term public funding, and the threat of this being removed is hanging over their heads, preventing future planning.

“Edinburgh Health Community Forum has heard from many member organisations that are expecting to have to start the process of shutting down in January due to the EIJB’s decision.”

One such organisation is the Murrayfield Dementia Project, which provides lunch clubs and day services for those who are elderly and frail or living with early-stage dementia.

The termination of the EIJB funding will remove this service from the 20 members who attend each week, with repercussions for their carers and families. It will also result in five members of staff being made redundant and eight voluntary opportunities being stopped.

Jenny Rowe, Project Coordinator at Murrayfield Dementia Project, said “The EIJB reprieve has only prolonged the inevitable. As a small, community organisation, we need to know whether future funding will be made available, and if not, we will be forced to close.

“The loss of vital services, such as Murrayfield Dementia Service will not only impact those who directly benefit from them. Without the support offered by Third Sector organisations, we will undoubtedly see an increased pressure on Scotland’s wider health and social care services, which are already at breaking point”.

This is exemplified in the case of Phonelink Edinburgh, a twice-daily check call service for the over 60s that offers social interaction, medication prompts, welfare and safety checks, and eating and drinking prompts.

Kellie Mercer, Manager of Phonelink Edinburgh, commented “Phonelink Edinburgh receives £89,000 in funding from the EIJB grant.

“Among other check-ins, we carry out 128 medication prompts twice daily, 7 days a week. The estimated cost for Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership (EHSCP) to do the same would be £256,960 – and that is without considering the other welfare and safety services Phonelink Edinburgh offers.”

A Therapy Assistant Practitioner from the  Western General Hospital gave a real life example of the importance of the Phonelink Service: “A patient was medically fit for discharge but needed medication prompts to allow this to happen.

“So Phonelink was contacted by email for a twice daily medication prompt. The email was received at 3.48pm,  the service set up at 4.30pm,  with the patient discharged that evening,  and the service started at 7.30pm.

With unprecedented budgetary challenges facing the EIJB, and the necessary shifting in strategic priorities, the cessation of the Third Sector Grants Programme may well be unavoidable.

If this is to be the case, Stephanie-Anne Harris argues for a planned transition with interim support made available:

“Sufficient time and planning must be given to avoid devastating consequences for Edinburgh’s most vulnerable citizens.

“This requires a collaborative approach, including Third Sector representatives, NHS Lothian and the City of Edinburgh Council to establish a clear timeline and secure alternative funding to prevent the immediate loss of vital services which currently benefit over 50,000 people across Edinburgh.

 “Without Edinburgh charities and Third Sector organisations, the fabric of the community collapses. It is imperative that together we carve out a sustainable future for the City’s Third Sector, one that delivers high-impact services, strengthens community resilience, reduces pressure on statutory services and achieves better outcomes for Edinburgh’s most vulnerable citizens.

“We urge Edinburgh City Council and the EIJB to step up, provide clarity, and commit to funding that ensures these vital organisations can continue their essential work beyond the end of March 2025. ”