- Charities and voluntary organisations are set to receive longer-term funding deals after a Scottish Conservative motion was agreed by MSPs.
It means the third sector will be more likely, as a general rule, to receive three-year funding cycles instead of the 12-month deals which have left many organisations struggling. That should improve their efficiency and stability, allowing them to commit to longer term projects and offer staff more stable conditions. The motion, by Scottish Conservative MSP Gavin Brown, was agreed during business in the Scottish Parliament today, and will see the Scottish Government actively encourage local authorities, NHS boards and the wider public sector to make three-year cycles the norm. The motion has also received the backing of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations. Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife said: “This is an important step for the third sector in Scotland, and one which should lead to more security and an overall healthier long-term future for charities and voluntary organisations. “For too long third sector organisations have only been given money on a yearly basis, and that has led to great uncertainty and inefficiency. “We value the sector highly, and believe that this move will help it maximise its potential. “Three-year funding deals can now become the norm rather than the exception, and means organisations will no longer have to spend a quarter of the year worrying about the future when they could be working with the people and communities they set out to help.” John Downie, SCVO director of public affairs, said: “It’s important to remember that this is not about trying to secure more money for the sector. “Instead, it’s about taking a more strategic and longer term approach to funding which gives charities and other third sector organisations extra security. “This means that they can make long-term plans and build more sustainable services, which will better meet the needs of the vulnerable people who use and rely on these services across Scotland.”