West Lothian charities need more funding, and say it is an 'investment in communities'
Alan McCloskey, CEO of the Voluntary Sector Gateway (VSG) said that voluntary groups, relied on by the council and by individuals were facing increasing costs.
Increased funding for under pressure charities in West Lothian should be seen as 'an investment in communities' as expenditure outstrips income councillors have been told.
Alan McCloskey, CEO of the Voluntary Sector Gateway (VSG) said that voluntary groups, relied on by the council and by individuals were facing increasing costs.
Third Sector income in West Lothian fell by almost 20% in the last year - down to £84m in 2023/24 from £110m, the year before - while expenditure was down only marginally, from £89.5m to £88.9m.
The report presented to the Economy, Community Empowerment and Wealth Building PDSP was designed to give an overview of the work across the Third Sector and the £44.9m in funding which goes into the sector from the council, health and related funding streams.
Mr McCloskey told the meeting: 'I think the report rightly touches on funding; it is actually an investment in communities. People are still struggling across the county with the impacts of fuel and food poverty, and the work that the Third Sector does to support communities is still much needed and demand on the services continues.'
Mr McCloskey said that the Third Sector had proved 'extremely agile' in supporting people and making a difference to lives.
He added: 'We look forward to that support continuing as we move forward.'
The majority of the 500 local charities working in West Lothian work in social care, sports and culture and community and economic development. They offer support from among the youngest to the oldest residents in the county.
The annual report said: 'The key importance of how the Third Sector is able to draw down funding from external funders is recognised and how that ability helps to deliver key support to our local communities.'
Some such as the Food Network put food on the tables of many while others such as the Larder, and West Lothian College also offer skills training and access to employment.
Some of those organisations helped such as Whitburn's community Development Trust provide a range of specific services within communities such as a community fridge and community garden.
In her report to the PDSP Clare Stewart, Community Wealth Building Manager detailed the collaboration with the Third Sector and the work done alongside funding to help secure external support.
She said: 'In 2024/25 the West Lothian 4 Communities, a funding website that supports the Voluntary and Third Sector to search for funding, had 203 registrations users who searched the site 18,251 times.
'The website is accessible for West Lothian based organisations to easily search for funding opportunities across the UK. The site will pull together a list of possible funding sources based on the type of organisation and what activities are being delivered. It significantly reduces the amount of time spent searching for funding.'
Councillors across the chamber welcomed the continued partnership between council and Third Sector while acknowledging the funding pressures on voluntary organisations.
Councillor Andrew Miller said that money was always tight, but the council relied on the Third Sector 'to do what it does, and so much more, reaching down to people that the council often missed.'
'Money is always tight and it's getting tighter. I wouldn't like to see any of these groups fall by the wayside.'
Labour's Craig Meek said: 'I welcome the report on the investment that is put into the Third Sector. It's really important. Congratulations to all that have received funding thanks to council officers and the Gateway staff for all their work.'
Councillor Sally Pattle said: 'We know how much we are continuing to rely on the work of Third Sector and how valuable the work is.'
Clare Stewart concluded in her report: 'West Lothian Council recognises that the Third Sector plays a hugely important role in complimenting and adding values to the work of West Lothian Council in delivering support within communities.
"It is vital that our partnership continues.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Daily Record
West Lothian charities need more funding, and say it is an 'investment in communities'
Alan McCloskey, CEO of the Voluntary Sector Gateway (VSG) said that voluntary groups, relied on by the council and by individuals were facing increasing costs. Increased funding for under pressure charities in West Lothian should be seen as 'an investment in communities' as expenditure outstrips income councillors have been told. Alan McCloskey, CEO of the Voluntary Sector Gateway (VSG) said that voluntary groups, relied on by the council and by individuals were facing increasing costs. Third Sector income in West Lothian fell by almost 20% in the last year - down to £84m in 2023/24 from £110m, the year before - while expenditure was down only marginally, from £89.5m to £88.9m. The report presented to the Economy, Community Empowerment and Wealth Building PDSP was designed to give an overview of the work across the Third Sector and the £44.9m in funding which goes into the sector from the council, health and related funding streams. Mr McCloskey told the meeting: 'I think the report rightly touches on funding; it is actually an investment in communities. People are still struggling across the county with the impacts of fuel and food poverty, and the work that the Third Sector does to support communities is still much needed and demand on the services continues.' Mr McCloskey said that the Third Sector had proved 'extremely agile' in supporting people and making a difference to lives. He added: 'We look forward to that support continuing as we move forward.' The majority of the 500 local charities working in West Lothian work in social care, sports and culture and community and economic development. They offer support from among the youngest to the oldest residents in the county. The annual report said: 'The key importance of how the Third Sector is able to draw down funding from external funders is recognised and how that ability helps to deliver key support to our local communities.' Some such as the Food Network put food on the tables of many while others such as the Larder, and West Lothian College also offer skills training and access to employment. Some of those organisations helped such as Whitburn's community Development Trust provide a range of specific services within communities such as a community fridge and community garden. In her report to the PDSP Clare Stewart, Community Wealth Building Manager detailed the collaboration with the Third Sector and the work done alongside funding to help secure external support. She said: 'In 2024/25 the West Lothian 4 Communities, a funding website that supports the Voluntary and Third Sector to search for funding, had 203 registrations users who searched the site 18,251 times. 'The website is accessible for West Lothian based organisations to easily search for funding opportunities across the UK. The site will pull together a list of possible funding sources based on the type of organisation and what activities are being delivered. It significantly reduces the amount of time spent searching for funding.' Councillors across the chamber welcomed the continued partnership between council and Third Sector while acknowledging the funding pressures on voluntary organisations. Councillor Andrew Miller said that money was always tight, but the council relied on the Third Sector 'to do what it does, and so much more, reaching down to people that the council often missed.' 'Money is always tight and it's getting tighter. I wouldn't like to see any of these groups fall by the wayside.' Labour's Craig Meek said: 'I welcome the report on the investment that is put into the Third Sector. It's really important. Congratulations to all that have received funding thanks to council officers and the Gateway staff for all their work.' Councillor Sally Pattle said: 'We know how much we are continuing to rely on the work of Third Sector and how valuable the work is.' Clare Stewart concluded in her report: 'West Lothian Council recognises that the Third Sector plays a hugely important role in complimenting and adding values to the work of West Lothian Council in delivering support within communities. "It is vital that our partnership continues.'
Edinburgh Live
6 days ago
- Edinburgh Live
West Lothian charities need more funding, and say it is an 'investment in communities'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Increased funding for under pressure charities in West Lothian should be seen as 'an investment in communities' as expenditure outstrips income councillors have been told. Alan McCloskey, CEO of the Voluntary Sector Gateway (VSG) said that voluntary groups, relied on by the council and by individuals were facing increasing costs. Third Sector income in West Lothian fell by almost 20% in the last year - down to £84m in 2023/24 from £110m, the year before - while expenditure was down only marginally, from £89.5m to £88.9m. The report presented to the Economy, Community Empowerment and Wealth Building PDSP was designed to give an overview of the work across the Third Sector and the £44.9m in funding which goes into the sector from the council, health and related funding streams. Alan McCloskey the CEO of the VSG told the meeting: 'I think the report rightly touches on funding; it is actually an investment in communities. People are still struggling across the county with the impacts of fuel and food poverty, and the work that the Third Sector does to support communities is still much needed and demand on the services continues.' Mr McCloskey said that the Third Sector had proved "extremely agile" in supporting people and making a difference to lives. He added ' We look forward to that support continuing as we move forward.' The majority of the 500 local charities working in West Lothian work in social care, sports and culture and community and economic development. They offer support from among the youngest to the oldest residents in the county. The annual report said: "The key importance of how the Third Sector is able to draw down funding from external funders is recognised and how that ability helps to deliver key support to our local communities." Some such as the Food Network put food on the tables of many while others such as the Larder, and West Lothian College also offer skills training and access to employment. Some of those organisations helped such as Whitburn's community Development Trust provide a range of specific services within communities such as a community fridge and community garden. In her report to the PDSP Clare Stewart, Community Wealth Building Manager detailed the collaboration with the Third Sector and the work done alongside funding to help secure external support. She said: "In 2024/25 the West Lothian 4 Communities, a funding website that supports the Voluntary and Third Sector to search for funding, had 203 registrations users who searched the site 18,251 times. 'The website is accessible for West Lothian based organisations to easily search for funding opportunities across the UK. The site will pull together a list of possible funding sources based on the type of organisation and what activities are being delivered. It significantly reduces the amount of time spent searching for funding.' Councillors across the chamber welcomed the continued partnership between council and Third Sector while acknowledging the funding pressures on voluntary organisations. Councillor Andrew Miller said that money was always tight , but the council relied on the Third Sector "to do what it does, and so much more, reaching down to people that the council often missed." 'Money is always tight and it's getting tighter. I wouldn't like to see any of these groups fall by the wayside.' Labour's Craig Meek said: 'I welcome the report on the investment that is put into the Third Sector. It's really important. Congratulations to all that have received funding thanks to council officers and the Gateway staff for all their work.' Councillor Sally Pattle said: "We know how much we are continuing to rely on the work of Third Sector and how valuable the work is.' Clare Stewart concluded in her report: 'West Lothian Council recognises that the Third Sector plays a hugely important role in complimenting and adding values to the work of West Lothian Council in delivering support within communities. It is vital that our partnership continues.'
Daily Record
28-04-2025
- Daily Record
Bids from voluntary groups seeking help from West Lothian Council topped more than £1m
Bids from voluntary groups seeking help from West Lothian Council topped more than £1m - three times the £372,000 the council had to give - councillors heard. Out of 34 charity groups which bid, only 15 were awarded funding. And with more than half the Third Sector services total budget of £944,000 going to just five organisations there have been calls from the local Voluntary Sector Gateway for the budget to grow to meet rising demand. The bulk of the budget funds direct services for the council. The council's Economy, Community Empowerment and Wealth Building PDSP heard that five organisations have been awarded Service Level Agreements to deliver services. These are West Lothian Youth Action Project £190,000 for community youth services; HcL Transport £182,119 for community transport; Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian £63,770; Citizen's Advice Bureau £76,266 to provide additional advice services across West Lothian; and the Bennie Museum £51,142 for the provision of Museum Services in Linlithgow and Bathgate Linlithgow Heritage Trust. In the Third Sector Support Fund 19 organisations lost out this year. They had bid for £501,312 of funding. Among the organisations which lost out are Fauldhouse Community Development Trust, the Food Train, KidzEco, West Calder Hub, West Lothian Race Forum and Smile In a report to committee Clare Stewart, the Community Wealth Building Manager said: 'In total 34 applications were received totalling £1,003,449.97 with an available budget at the time of £362,613. 'An additional £10,000 was allocated as part of the process for funding that is available to West Lothian Council from the Lintel Trust to support a community project. This brought the total available to £372,613.' Among the winners were: Linlithgow Young People's Project, £36, 052; The Vennie, £33,157; Boghalll Drop in £37,043; Stoneyburn Future Vision Group £20, 600 and Armadale Playworks £35,272. All applications were assessed by a panel composed of representatives from the NHS, Voluntary Sector Gateway, and a range of council services including Anti-Poverty, Community Regeneration and Community Wealth Building. Following the assessment of all applications, the panel made recommendations to the Head of Planning, Economic Development and Regeneration that the £362,613 be allocated to 15 organisations. All 19 groups which did not receive funding this year have been offered guidance for future applications. The report added: 'The panel took into consideration a number of matters in assessing all applications including the quality of the application against the criteria for funding, the provision of support in the areas of identified deprivation, match funding, the outcomes that would be achieved by the investment and the potential for some projects to source funding through other funds, in particular the availability of local mental health funding. 'Officers contacted all unsuccessful applicants and offered a series of dates to give more detailed feedback on their application on a one to one basis either in person or via teams. To date eight organisations have requested feedback.' Stuart Barrie, the Operations Manager with the VSG, welcomed the feedback offered to the groups, saying it was helpful to organisations in seeking funding in future from both from the council, and other sources. And making a plea for growing support for the VSG Mr Barrie said: 'The continued financial support from the council the Third Sector is welcome and makes a huge difference to organisations and to communities in West Lothian. 'However the overall £944,000 has remained static for a number of years now. "The sector is facing significant financial pressures like everyone else and given the council receives an uplift to its annual budget could an uplift to this funding be considered in the future for the Third Sector?' Councillor Susan Manion, chairing the PDSP, said: 'We can happily have a discussion about that in relation to the financial position in what we do going forward and looking a future budgeting arrangements for the next year.' Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here .
