A message from our Chief Executive
Last month’s Spring Budget missed the opportunity to address some of the key asks from the charity sector – particularly around the “Essentials Guarantee” ensuring that Universal Credit levels should prevent people going without essentials. The extension of the Household Support Fund was certainly welcome, but the cut in national insurance rates will have little positive impact on low income earners. From a broader perspective, the Budget also did little to allay concerns around the Government’s plans to ensure the financial stability of local authorities around the country – given the critical relationship between local government and the charity sector.
On a more positive note, I’m delighted to welcome my new colleague Beth Smith (beth@aco.uk.net) as Communication and Engagement Lead. As part of her role Beth would welcome any regular news/content/updates etc that we can share with members through Charity News Review, ACO website and social media. In addition, she will also be managing the ACO Jobs Board service, so please approach if you would be interested in promoting vacancies across the ACO network. In the meantime, I’m sure you will make Beth feel very welcome within ACO and I know that she will be meeting many of you in due course through our Spring events programme.
Regards,
Donal Watkin
Chief Executive