A delegation of voluntary and community representatives led by NICVA presented the case for voluntary and community organisations as providers of value for money frontline services and an important part of life in Northern Ireland at a meeting on 29 July. 

In a frank discussion, delegates stressed that they wanted to ensure services provided by the sector are not disproportionately or unfairly cut, especially as these services can help cushion the worst social and economic impacts of public expenditure cuts.

Delegates also emphasised value for money and reminded officials of the value of community development and the role of the voluntary sector in contributing to social cohesion, participation and building social capital. 

Find out more and download a briefing paper that NICVA produced for the meeting at www.nicva.org/news/voluntary-and-community-sector-representatives-meet-senior-officials-discuss-budget

Your chance to influence

NICVA is organising a series of roundtable meetings with key officials responsible for departmental budgets to discuss their future spending plans. The first meeting with the Department of Regional Development will take place at 3.00pm in NICVA on 2 September. Please email cathy.breslin@nicva.org to book a place.