Funding from the former European Objective 1 ended in December 2008 and the work has survived on a grant from the City’s Working Neighbourhood Fund since then. From April there will be a severe reduction in the range and level of services given though its networks and its groundbreaking ‘Your Community Matters’ events.

Alan Lewis, Chief Executive of LCVS, said: “This is a great disappointment, but we understand the economic climate. We will be inventive with the resources we have left to achieve the maximum involvement of people in decisions that affect their lives. We are working with public bodies to agree what activity to save”

The involvement of over 1,600 third sector organisations through Liverpool Community Network (LCN) is at risk. LCN brings together charities and community groups from across the city to work in partnership with public bodies to improve the quality of life of all.

Job Cuts
The neighbourhood based ‘Your Community Matters Events’, which have already involved over 2,500 residents across all wards of the city are also likely to end. Job losses are inevitable and up to 15 posts are at risk.

“Liverpool has been a national leader in community involvement. We are losing capacity to continue this work just when public bodies and housing associations are required to do more of it.”

LCVS will still deliver its March round of ward based events enabling local residents to meet with local Police and Council officers and other key decision-makers to discuss what can be done to improve their neighbourhood.

Liverpool Arts and Culture Network
This will affect the the Arts and Culture network which has worked so hard with small voluntary sector arts organisations over the past 4-5 years, they made a outstanding contribution to the Capital of Culture in ways that are not highlighted. As much should be done as possible to help maintain their important work and we hope that they are to overcome this funding issue.