On Friday 3 November, ACVO gathered organisations from Aberdeen’s third sector to discuss the potential impacts of the proposals outlined in Aberdeen City Council’s Phase Two 2024/2025 Budget Consultation.
The aim of the meeting was to enable informed discussion about the potential impact of proposals on the third sector, and those who use their services, should they be implemented.
31 representatives of 26 organisations from across the city had their say and asked ACVO to present a summary of their views for consideration by elected members, council officials, and the public. Promoting the voice of the third sector is one of ACVO’s Scottish Government funded objectives.
In light of the significant challenges posed by budget cuts and their far-reaching consequences on both services and communities, the third sector is calling upon Aberdeen City Council to take immediate and decisive action. It is imperative that measures be implemented to safeguard the most vulnerable individuals in our city from the adverse effects of service removal or reduction.
The preservation of the Fairer Aberdeen Fund is critical to maintaining a lifeline for essential services and must be a priority in budget considerations. Additionally, a firm commitment to supporting the invaluable contributions of volunteers can be demonstrated by endorsing and signing the Volunteer Charter, ensuring that their efforts remain acknowledged and sustained.
Collaboration with ACVO is essential to developing sustainable solutions for the third sector in the city and we are pleased that this is a commitment of the council’s policy directive “Working in Partnership for Aberdeen.”
We would like to work towards a commitment to Fair Funding principles and exploring opportunities for resource sharing among organisations. The establishment of a collaborative framework will contribute to the overall resilience and effectiveness of the third sector.
Moreover, meaningful engagement with the third sector is crucial. The council should foster transparent communication channels between members of the sector and council officials. This engagement must extend beyond mere consultation, involving active participation and dialogue to address concerns and co-create solutions. By doing so, the council can better understand the nuanced challenges faced by organisations and work collaboratively towards a more resilient and supportive environment for the third sector in Aberdeen and the communities of people and place they represent.
The full report can be read below or downloaded via https://bit.ly/acvo-consultation.
For further information contact Alasdair via alasdair.ross@avashire.org.uk
