Dr Rhidian Hughes, VODG Chief Executive, joins with other leaders of organisations that support UK charity and voluntary sector services, in calling on the Chancellor to address the cost of living crisis.
In an open letter to the Chancellor, leaders report that charities are doing as much as they can to directly help people and local communities but that urgent government action is needed.
The letter unites leaders in calling for government to raise benefits in line with inflation. A measure that will help disabled people and thousands of care workers living on low incomes. The letter goes on to call for local authorities to be given the financial resources they require to meet rising levels of demand and need.
The Energy Bill Relief Scheme is providing vital support for voluntary organisations but with the scheme set to end on 31 March 2023 this is leading to growing uncertainty. Charity leaders urge the Chancellor to ensure that the experience of voluntary sector organisations is included in the Treasury-led review of the scheme and for the sector to be included in measures to incentivise non-domestic energy efficiency.