Funding impact for minority groups

London Funders recently sent to all members a copy of a consultation document, Cohesion Guidance for Funders, issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Responses are requested by 26 May.

It is important to respond if you have a view on the guidance as the final version is likely to have considerable impact on the funding climate for minority groups.

This Guidance draws on conclusions from the Commission on Integration and Cohesion urging local authorities to reduce the amount of “single group” funding they give so that it becomes the exception rather than the norm to fund groups that work with people of one single ethnicity, religion or culture. It also encourages independent funders to consider the same action.

London perspective

The Commission’s work was prompted in part by disturbances in the north of England a few years ago and funders in London may wish to contribute a ‘London perspective’ to the consultation.
It is already evident that some funders are adopting this strategy and withdrawing funds from specialist BAME services, in particular, in favour of generalist provision even though the consultation document itself lists examples of groups which because of social and economic inequalities require continuing specialist support.

London Funders EC Committee response

At our recent London Funders Executive Committee meeting it was unanimously agreed that the Committee should write its own letter of response, making points in principle about the dangers of this guidance, especially in the context of London’s needs and issues. The Committee will give examples from funders to illustrate the vital importance of continuing to fund single groups in some circumstances and to show how such groups not only address specific issues but act as a link to mainstream services and broader communities to which disempowered individuals would not get access on their own. While inequalities still persist, some such funding will still be needed.

Equality concerns

Concerns have also been raised about public sector funders’ ability to meet statutory equalities requirements in the absence of specialist funding. We know from our well-attended full members meeting in December how important this is to many of you.

Share your views

London Funders will be pleased to hear from members with examples and evidence from their own experience, especially to ensure that the London perspective is given to DCLG. We will of course share the Executive Committee’s response with members and ask you to copy your responses to us, please.

Futher background

In its February Policy bulletin, London Voluntary Service Council offers more detailed background and urges the sector to respond to the consultation document.