The £20m hardship fund for charities, announced by Chancellor Alistair Darling in this week's Budget, will provide "short-term relief" for charities say children's sector leaders.
The fund has been introduced in order to help voluntary organisations who have been affected by the current economic climate and are struggling to respond to increased demands.
"The new hardship fund is a good start and should provide welcome short-term relief at a time when pressure on the voluntary sector is especially great," said Joe Levenson, director of policy for Children England.
"However, the real challenge is to provide long-term solutions that ensure children and families don't miss out on vital services as a result of a squeeze on public spending in the coming months and years at a time when they are needed most," he added.
Faiza Chaudary, head of policy for the National Council for Voluntary Youth Services, said the money will go "some way" to supporting front line organisations. But she said the council is still waiting to see how and when these funds will be allocated.
Will small voluntary Pre-school settings benefit from this? i wonder......
It will be interesting to see if the money makes its way down to frontline services and the small charities.
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Children & Young People Now is the official publication for members of the National Children's Bureau and The National Youth Agency.
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