The Scottish Government Budget for 2025-2026 was announced on 4 December 2024, in response to this a spokesperson for the TSI Scotland Network said the budget was a great step forward in beginning the reinvestment process in our communities and valued local services. This includes the commitment to developing plans to mitigate the two-child benefit limit underlines an approach from government that is based on fairness, justice and a commitment to eradicating child poverty.
In a statement shared on 5 December 2024, the spokesperson continued;
“The budget narrative clearly supported our asks to invest in Public Service Reform combined with extra funds for social care and family support services as well substantial increases for our under-pressure NHS, housing and council services.
“However, what is unclear is the method of investment in reform and change. The old top-down models of investing in high tariff services will not meet the challenge of rising demand and an aging population.
“For that we need to see the Scottish Government mandate the NHS and councils to collaborate with local communities and third sector organisations in commissioning and planning a fairly funded network of local services on a multi-year basis. Only then will be see a concerted shift in spend towards early intervention and prevention at a community level.”
The spokesperson also noted that there remained concern over the lack of uplift in the Third Sector Infrastructure budget – which amounts to a real terms cut – as well as a lack of specific investment in Community Wealth Building. As the budget is debated through Holyrood they would also like to see further detail on local climate action and consistent investment in employability programmes.
A more complete list of analysis and asks from the budget was published by the TSI Scotland Network on 26 November 2024 and is available here.
The full TSI Scotland Network statement can be found here.
The TSI Scotland Network is a body of expert charities that support, develop and advocate for the third sector and social enterprise,while also making it easier for people to volunteer with a focus on inclusion. There are 32 Third Sector Interfaces – or TSIs – across Scotland, including CVS Inverclyde.
CVS Inverclyde is committed to supporting third sector organisations, learn more about what we offer here.