Further to the autumn Budget, we fully support the government’s ambition of good growth in every postcode.
We welcome the recognition of the importance of community organisations, reading and literacy, prevention and positive action against misogyny. Our members are perfectly positioned to support across these priorities as well as wider agendas across health and employment.
Our partnership with DWP supports members to work with local job centres and, our work with the New Futures Network encourages members to support prison leavers into sustainable employment.
Our members are committed to fair work and have consistently compared favourable to the ONS median gender pay gap. We recognise the importance of fair pay and the increase of National Living Wage in line with the central estimate from the Low Pay Commission offers an ability to plan with no surprises in the budget.
This year has seen our members embrace the National Year of Reading campaign across leisure and culture venues, building and expanding on the fantastic work already taking place across libraries.
However, consistently delivering high-quality public services requires investment and valuing of these services.
Increased energy costs and water bills, a significant local authority funding gap, an ageing estate with a maintenance backlog, and increased employment costs are our members’ day-to-day reality. Charities and social enterprises, like other businesses, need certainty and the backing from government.
We look forward to working with the Government to maximise the opportunities and potential that our members can offer, helping people across the UK to live healthier, happier lives.
