Increased funding for under pressure charities in West Lothian should be seen as “an investment in communities” as expenditure outstrips income councillors have been told.
Alan McCloskey, CEO of the Voluntary Sector Gateway (VSG) said that voluntary groups, relied on by the council and by individuals were facing increasing costs.
Third Sector income in West Lothian fell by almost 20% in the last year – down to £84m in 2023/24 from £110m, the year before – while expenditure was down only marginally, from £89.5m to £88.9m.
The report presented to the Economy, Community Empowerment and Wealth Building PDSP was designed to give an overview of the work across the Third Sector and the £44.9m in funding which goes into the sector from the council, health and related funding streams.
Alan McCloskey the CEO of the VSG told the meeting: “I think the report rightly touches on funding; it is actually an investment in communities. People are still struggling across the county with the impacts of fuel and food poverty, and the work that the Third Sector does to support communities is still much needed and demand on the services continues.”
Mr McCloskey said that the Third Sector had proved “extremely agile” in supporting people and making a difference to lives. He added “We look forward to that support continuing as we move forward.”
The majority of the 500 local charities working in West Lothian work in social care, sports and culture and community and economic development. They offer support from among the youngest to the oldest residents in the county.
The annual report said: “The key importance of how the Third Sector is able to draw down funding from external funders is recognised and how that ability helps to deliver key support to our local communities.”
Some such as the Food Network put food on the tables of many while others such as the Larder, and West Lothian College also offer skills training and access to employment.
Some of those organisations helped such as Whitburn’s community Development Trust provide a range of specific services within communities such as a community fridge and community garden.
In her report to the PDSP Clare Stewart, Community Wealth Building Manager detailed the collaboration with the Third Sector and the work done alongside funding to help secure external support.
She said: “In 2024/25 the West Lothian 4 Communities, a funding website that supports the Voluntary and Third Sector to search for funding, had 203 registrations users who searched the site 18,251 times.
“The website is accessible for West Lothian based organisations to easily search for funding opportunities across the UK. The site will pull together a list of possible funding sources based on the type of organisation and what activities are being delivered. It significantly reduces the amount of time spent searching for funding.”
Councillors across the chamber welcomed the continued partnership between council and Third Sector while acknowledging the funding pressures on voluntary organisations.
Councillor Andrew Miller said that money was always tight, but the council relied on the Third Sector “to do what it does, and so much more, reaching down to people that the council often missed.”
“Money is always tight and it’s getting tighter. I wouldn’t like to see any of these groups fall by the wayside.”
Labour’s Craig Meek said: “I welcome the report on the investment that is put into the Third Sector. It’s really important. Congratulations to all that have received funding thanks to council officers and the Gateway staff for all their work.”
Councillor Sally Pattle said: “We know how much we are continuing to rely on the work of Third Sector and how valuable the work is.”
Clare Stewart concluded in her report: “West Lothian Council recognises that the Third Sector plays a hugely important role in complimenting and adding values to the work of West Lothian Council in delivering support within communities. It is vital that our partnership continues.”
By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter
