We’re being priced out of the WI
THE Women’s Institute was formed during World War II to help food production and was targeted at country women. Today’s WI is a far cry from those early years: there are prestigious offices in city centres, magazines and a large number of staff paid for by the members’ annual subscription. Over the past decade, the subs have been rising year after year by 4 per cent and 5 per cent a time; it is now £41. This may not sound unreasonable to enjoy a monthly meeting with speakers and social events, but after the national organisation has taken its cut, this £41 is whittled down to less than £20 per member to pay for speakers (an average £50 plus travel) and hall rental. Many branches have to fundraise to pay for speakers and keep solvent. Members have written to the National Federation of Women’s Institutes objecting to the ever-increasing percentages taken from their subscriptions, but have been ignored. The WI is in danger of losing its core members if it prices itself beyond their means. Many members have little or no pension and depend on the WI for their social life. Over the ten years of austerity we have all had to manage with zero pay rises and rising costs. If the WI can’t manage its finances, it should consider forsaking its London office rather than increasing the financial burden on members.