This latest NCVO report looks at the implications of ongoing austerity, and estimates the scale of cuts affecting the sector. If current plans go ahead, the sector will receive £1.7bn less funding from government in 2017/18 than in 2010/1
Voluntary Sector North West
St. Thomas Centre
30 August 2012
Universal Credit is a new benefit that will be introduced from April 2013, replacing current means-tested benefits and tax credits for working-age people. It will radically alter the benefit system.
This briefing from the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) and the Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) describes Universal Credit: what it is, the timetable from next April, and how it will affect £8m households by 2017.
Universal Credit will start in the Pathfinder areas of Tameside, Oldham, Wigan and Warrington from next April, six months before the national roll out. These areas will see up to 1500 new claimants each month start on Universal Credit.
Further reading (after the briefing):
► DWP press release on the Pathfinder
► DWP on Universal Credit
► Universal Credit - Frequently Asked Questions (July 2012)
► Latest news on Local Authority led pilots exploring specific issues, starting this Autumn ahead of the Pathfinders (Press release: 31 August 2012)
Regional Voices, of which VSNW is a partner, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded funding from the Department of Health (Innovation, Excellence and Strategic Development Fund) to support voluntary and community sector influence on health and wellbeing boards
The Department for Business Innovation & Skills has published the findings of a research study on European Social Fund delivery with the aim of informing thinking around the next round of programmes
Healthwatch England was formed in April 2013 and is the independent consumer champion for health and social care in England. They have now published a list of local Healthwatch, including those for the North West
The Local Government Chronicle held a webinar to explore the essential elements to ensure local healthwatch organisations are effective in scrutinising local health services and provide a voice for communities. Regional Voices, of which VSNW are a part, are mentioned.
An analysis has been published by NAVCA of the 74 areas that received Transforming Local Infrastructure and provides a national perspective, and allows the sharing of information and ideas
