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Local programmes are being abandoned, funding pulled and payments to voluntary groups have been delayed as a result of recent spending cuts announced by the government, according to a voluntary and community sector charity.

Compact Voice, which represents the sector in England on the Compact agreement between public and voluntary sectors, is writing to key ministers, non-departmental public bodies and other agencies seeking an assurance that cuts or funding reviews will be carried out in a Compact-compliant manner.

It has also warned that cuts to regional development agencies, the working neighbourhoods fund and future jobs fund (FJF) will have a detrimental impact on voluntary organisations and communities.

The charity has learned that Hull CVS had £200,000 of FJF funding withdrawn without consultation, while Voluntary Action Westminster (VAW) has been told £3m is to be cut - the vast majority of which would have been used to support local front line services.

VAW chief executive Bernard Collier said: ‘I am very disappointed. This will affect the most disadvantaged in our community. There should have been a better process which engaged with the community sector – the very organisations at the heart of the Big Society - rather than this scorched-earth approach we’re seeing.’

Compact Voice said unilateral cuts could undermine the ability of partners to deliver cost-effective services to the most needy and pointed to examples where significant cost savings had already been made through an alternative approach, including Merton where joint impact assessments helped protect priorities.

Compact Voice chair Simon Blake said: ‘Proper discussion with the sector is not a luxury for good times, it is a necessity to ensure that the best possible decisions are made during this difficult time as well.’

Source: Jil Theobold, NewStart