VOLUNTARY SECTOR IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

That this House is greatly concerned that the squeeze by Government on local authority spending has put services under pressure, both from the general reduction in resources and from greater expectations on local authorities to cope with new legislation and responsibilities; recognises that the voluntary sector is a key part of any healthy community and has been hit particularly hard by cuts; is pleased to note that Stoke on Trent City Council has worked closely with the local Council for Voluntary Services to limit the impact of spending cuts on the voluntary sector; believes that further cuts in voluntary sector grants forced by central government will result in many voluntary groups collapsing; therefore shares the concern of the Council for Voluntary Services at the news that the Government intends to cap the city's spending; believes that central government has consistently misunderstood the needs of the city; supports the City Council's appeal against the decision to cap its spending; and calls for extra Government and EC funding to meet the needs of the city.