Voluntary sector hit by cash cuts

I FEAR that in the tumult of Brexit, Trump and who won ‘Strictly’, the powers that be in Cardiff Bay have again overlooked what is happening to the quality of life in Wales, especially in the deprived areas of which we are told Wales leads the way in the UK.

Those not au fait with the voluntary sector will not be aware that countless organisations are stumbling around in the dark not knowing how they are going to be financed after March 31 2017.

Virtually all were seen as crucial to improving the overall quality of life but as so often seems to happen with Welsh Government decisions, they are the first to suffer when the axe falls.

Of course savings have to be made and priorities set, but it is apparent that no one in the Bay has a clue as to the knock-on effect of their withdrawal of funding.

If , for instance, Communities First goes then hundreds of benefiting organisations like youth activities, community partnerships, sports centres and art classes will be hit and will have to look for support from local authorities, housing associations etc, who are already too pressed to fund their own priorities.

The lack of cash is a disaster in itself, but far more worrying is the realisation that, based on what they are saying or not saying, our central government is totally unable to tell anyone what they plan to do and when.

Provision for the unexpected is every businessman’s insurance policy with the ultimate test of management being able to manage under uncertainty.

The voluntary sector awaits Welsh Government guidance, mindful of the fact that the seventh month of pregnancy is not the best time to start discussions on family planning! Kel Palmer Mountain Ash