Respond, recover, reset: the voluntary sector and COVID-19

In some areas this relationship has changed a lot. Whilst some VCSE organisations have struggled to engage with the local authority, in other places VCSE organisations and local authorities have collaborated like in new ways to deal with the pandemic. In the early crisis stage some areas saw high degrees of collaboration, resulting in barriers broken down, new working relationships forged, and partnerships developed. This survey reveals that for organisations who have worked with local authorities, half say their relationship has improved during to the pandemic. Yet the future is uncertain. A recent National Audit Office (NAO) report states there is an estimated £9.7bn income losses for local authorities in 2020-21, causing long-term funding pressures. With high demand and expected reduction in tax bases local authorities face an uncertain future (NAO 10th March 2021). This is reflected in this survey whilst 9% of surveyed organisations expect an increase in funding 22% anticipate decreases.