Heather Gray, Cosgrove’s CEO signed an open letter to the FM, Swinney yesterday in the Herald along with 240 third sector Health and Social Care leaders and representitives. The letter focuses on the current financial crisis in the sector and calls for a series of immediate steps that are needed to create stability. A ‘big read’ article accompanies the open letter which highlights the underfunding and potential for collapse and can be read here.
Cosgrove Care is one of many organisations impacted by the crisis with cuts to funding and services amidst increased demands for support and services. The organisation depends on generating income through fundraising to sustain our work.
The letter says ‘It’s vital that the FM acts now to address the profound crisis threatening our sector as the wellbeing and rights of Scotland’s people and the sustainability of the third sector and wider public services are at immediate risk’.
The charities warn that without them,’ the public sector cannot function. Claims by the Scottish Government that it wants to improve social care cannot succeed if we are not here to help you deliver.’
Our organisations face increasing levels of demand which cannot be met within available public funds. Services and support are facing severe funding cuts. Many organisations are scaling back services significantly, others are considering closure The sector and the people it supports are facing breaking point.
67% of organisations are budgetting this year on the basis of reraching financial balance through reserves.
‘‘It is apocalyptic’: Scotland’s entire care service faces collapse | The Herald
Read the open letter here: