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

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

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. 

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.

Download - Befriending Services in Derbyshire

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/

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

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. 

See www.learnmyway.com/subjects/online-basics

If you are interested please contact Derbyshire Dales CVS on 01629 812154 who will forward your contact details to Hayley.

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