Derbyshire Council Warned of “Massive Impact” on Vulnerable from Funding Cuts

Derbyshire County Council has received a warning that its decision to reduce funding for the voluntary sector by £1.1 million across the county will significantly affect some of its “most vulnerable” residents. James Bromley, head of Erewash Council for Voluntary Service (CVS), stated that Derbyshire County Council “had not fully considered” how these proposals might lead to “pushing people” back into the domain of adults’ and children’s social care. The council attributed these proposals partly to growing financial strains on its budgets and “changes” in service demand. Mr. Bromley commented, “This is a short term financial decision which will have a much wider impact on people’s health.” The county council’s consultation process concerned the cessation of discretionary grant funding, a measure set to impact over 30 organizations throughout Derbyshire. The consultation garnered more than 1,300 responses, with 91% expressing disagreement or strong disagreement with the proposed changes. Erewash CVS, according to Mr. Bromley, stands to lose £107,000, which includes funds for infrastructure and support for numerous projects it manages. He also indicated that job losses are probable. He expressed, “I’m incredibly disappointed and saddened.” He continued, “The findings from [people in] the consultation are clear – but it looks like this has not been taken into account.” He further stated, “We’re really concerned about the massive impact this will have not just for us but for the wider sector and the people who really rely on us. “We’re being told all the time that our work is really important but these actions suggest we’re not valued as we potentially should be.” Mr. Bromley highlighted that Derbyshire’s voluntary sector successfully navigated the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis, serving as “key partners” in assisting residents. However, he asserted that the reduction in funding will ultimately affect the most vulnerable individuals they support. Among the services facing disruption is a shopping project where volunteers deliver food to isolated individuals lacking a family network. Mr. Bromley confirmed this initiative will cease. He also expressed concern that, across the county, the cuts will affect mental health support and befriending services, such as lunch clubs, implying the voluntary sector “no longer has the capacity” to sustain them. Mr. Bromley concluded, “It will be impossible to get these services back if they go.” Natalie Hoy, the cabinet member for adult care, stated that the council must ensure its “finite resources are targeted at services we are required to deliver by law to those people who need us most.” She remarked, “We’ve always prided ourselves on being a well-managed council but like all other councils across the country we’re facing increasing financial pressures that are outside our control.” She further noted, “Many of these organisations have been receiving grants for up to 20 years as a matter of course. “Since then, Derbyshire’s population has changed and people’s aspirations, needs and preferences for support have also altered.”