A new Ealing Council funding programme for the borough’s voluntary and community sector will open in January, to support activities across the borough until 2027.
The council’s cabinet last night (Wednesday, 7 December) voted to provide an increase of 5% – representing an additional £78,600 in 2023. It also made a commitment to reviewing this annually, until the end of the next funding round in 2027. The council’s current annual budget for the local voluntary and community sector (VCS) is just over £1.5million. The total value of the grant programme is around £2.2million per year, including health funding.
Starting from 1 October, the programme focuses on the council’s priorities, which are aimed at improving the lives and opportunities for residents and tackling inequality. The programme is being delivered with the Ealing Borough Based Partnership, which brings together the NHS, the council, the VCS and residents to improve health and care.
Councillor Jasbir Anand, the council’s cabinet member for thriving communities, said: “The voluntary sector is a vital element of both community character and service provision in Ealing, and the existing funding round coming to an end on 30 September next year, has seen unique pressures because of COVID-19, increased demand for services and inflation.
“Voluntary sector activities delivered with public and private sector provision can make a real difference to lives and communities.
“We want to continue to support a vibrant and sustainable sector that provides good services and better quality of life to our growing population, and which reflects the wide range of cultural and community needs across the borough.”
The 2023-27 VCS funding proposals cover strengthening community ties, information and advice, mental health and support for carers. There is also provision for domestic violence services, infrastructure support and a small grants fund.
Learn more about the council’s currently funded organisations.
Council tax reduction
Also at the cabinet meeting, it was agreed that people living in the lowest income households would benefit from an extra 5% reduction in their council tax.
