NCVO has launched its general election manifesto, which warns that not all charities will be able to pay their staff a living wage until public sector commissioners take this into consideration when awarding contracts.
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NCVO state that charities wanting to pay the living wage are unable to do so because competitive tendering for public service contracts is driving wages down, particularly in fields such as social care.
Citing the Living Wage Commission’s finding that the Treasury could save between £3.6billion and £6billion per year if everyone was paid the living wage, NCVO state that ensuring that commissioners understand the social and economic benefits of paying a living wage would make a real difference.
It recommends that spending settlements for local government and public bodies should reflect the costs of paying the living wage, recognising that this will reduce expenditure elsewhere on tax credits and benefits.
The manifesto also warns that the short-term approach to spending is failing communities and that the next government should prioritise preventative spending to address social problems and save money in the longer term.
Other recommendations for the next government include:
- Creating a Centre for Social Value to support commissioners and charities implementing the Social Value Act;
- Simplifying the under-used gift aid small donations scheme so that it is open to all charities registered to receive gift aid;
- Establish a Paralympic legacy fund to help people with disabilities to volunteer; and
- Continue match-funding incentives for philanthropy through community foundations.
For further information and to download the manifesto visit their website
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NCVO, the Institute of Fundraising and the Charity Finance Group have launched a review of the effectiveness of the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme, including a survey of voluntary organisations, open until Friday 27 June.
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The three umbrella bodies launched the review after HM Revenue & Customs published data showing the scheme has raised only £7million.
The survey aims to discover whether respondents have made a claim under the scheme, and what problems and barriers they have encountered. Information collected will be used to lobby for changes to the scheme to make it easier for charities to use.
The Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme allows charities to claim a gift aid-like relief of up to £1,250 a year on £5,000 of small cash donations even if they do not have the usual gift aid paperwork.
But to do so a charity must already have claimed gift aid for two of the last four years, must claim gift aid in the same year as making a Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme claim, must have a good record with HM Revenue & Customs, and must not be connected to another charity by having the same trustee board.
To take part in the survey visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/23LRGFW
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Derbyshire Law Centre, formally known as Chesterfield Law Centre, has moved to 1 Rose Hill East, Chesterfield, located on the lower ground floor east side of the Town Hall.
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The Law Centre provides free legal advice, assistance and representation service to individuals and families across the county from its new main office in Chesterfield as well as from seven branch and outreach offices across Derbyshire. The offices in Bolsover, Buxton, Chesterfield, Ilkeston, Matlock, Ripley and Staveley are open Monday to Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm.
Derbyshire Law Centre specialises in debt, employment, housing and homelessness, immigration, mortgage repossessions and tackling hate and harassment. Individuals can contact the Law Centre on 01246 550674 and for free legal advice call freephone: 0800 707 6990.
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Buxton & Beyond Macular Support, Peak VIP and Buxton Library are starting a free loan scheme, including one-to-one support and demonstrations.
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Have you ever wanted to try some of the specialist equipment but are unsure what to choose or worried about the cost if it's not right for you? You can borrow some of the equipment as if you were borrowing a book. Try it out for 6 weeks at home and see if it’s right for you.
Project launch 4th of June at Buxton Library - part of MANIL fortnight (Make A Noise In Libraries). For more information call Marge on 01298 22136.
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The new and updated edition of the directory of Befriending Services in Derbyshire is available, containing details of befriending providers across the county.
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The Your Moorlands Tenant Scrutiny Panel is due to allocate £10,000 to good causes in the local area. Community groups are invited to apply for up to £1,000 to support projects that improve the lives of people across Staffordshire Moorlands and High Peak.
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A wide range of local groups from across Staffordshire Moorlands have received support from the fund over the past three years, with recent highlights including funding for Moorlands Radio to purchase outside broadcasting equipment, support for a table tennis club in Whiston and a grant for The Beatrice Charity to provide canal boat trips for children with disabilities.
The closing date for applications is 5pm on 16th June. Priority will be given to projects which help achieve the Your Housing Group Vision of "transforming your lives and your communities”.
Application form and guidance notes are at www.yourhousinggroup.co.uk/your-community/south/your-moorlands/moorlands-community-projects-fund-2014/
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DCC are carrying out a review to look at the best possible ways of effectively delivering essential services for children and families while saving £1.1m.
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Options being considered include:
- charging parents for using children's centres
- charging organisations for using the buildings
- reducing staffing levels
- closing some centres
- only offering services which are not already available elsewhere through the voluntary, community and independent sector.
The review will run for five weeks until 17 June.
www.derbyshire.gov.uk/ccreview
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To support the North Derbyshire Diabetes Project, North Derbyshire CCG and Hardwick CCG are carrying out a survey on diabetes care and would welcome your support to gain the views of patients and voluntary groups.
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The survey is open until Friday 13 June and can be accessed through the Noticeboard section of the North Derbyshire CCG website at www.northderbyshireccg.nhs.uk
The survey asks patients about the services they receive including their current care, their understanding of diabetes and whether foot and eye screening has taken place. It will also ask about the training and support individuals have received in order to self manage their condition, and where they turn to for help and advice. Responses will be analysed and findings will be published on the North Derbyshire CCG website. There is a plan to repeat the survey in the future and compare results to understand if planned changes have improved services for patients.
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Hayley Ambrose of Derbyshire Coalition for Inclusive Living is offering a free IT course using Online Basics, aimed at people with a disability, in Derbyshire Dales and High Peak.
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One World Festival invites charities, campaign groups and other non-commercial organisations to promote their activities on Saturday 5 July 12–6pm at High Lea Park in New Mills.
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The New Mills One World Festival was established in 1990 and is now recognised as the region’s annual free open air festival celebrating themes of peace, the environment, cultural diversity, community, and world development. This year we will be celebrating environmental themes.
Organisations run entirely by volunteers usually contribute at least £5 and those with paid staff upwards of £10.
- It is advisable to bring some sort of shelter.
- A limited number of tables and chairs are available (please book) but it’s a great help if you can bring your own.
- You are welcome to arrive at High Lea Park any time after 9.30am to set up your stall.
- If you have an access requirement or other need to be in a particular place in the park, let us know..
Contact: Barbara Walmsley, barbarawalmsley81@yahoo.co.uk, 01663 746106 or 07908186852.
Further details and Reply Slip
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