Age UK Comment on statement by Eric Pickles

Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age UK, said:

'Many local authorities now have to make very difficult decisions resulting from the recent spending cuts. We would call on all local authorities to think about not only the short term savings but also the long term impact.

'By withdrawing funding at short notice from services provided by the voluntary sector, there is a risk not only that those particular services may be forced to close down, but that other services may also be adversely affected because of the resulting financial squeeze. This may affect the long term sustainability of the voluntary sector at a time when they are very much needed to provide services and solutions alongside statutory provision.

'We would urge local authorities in future years to  fully engage voluntary organisations in budgetary decisions as equal partners recognising the added value provided to communities by these bodies. Voluntary organisations have a great deal to offer both as service providers and in terms of encouraging community cohesion and developing skills within society.'

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors

Age UK

For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, dedicated to improving later life.

We provide free information, advice and support to over five million people; commercial products and services to over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well being, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle. We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI (together the Age UK Family), our local Age UK partners in England and local Age Concerns. We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group ("we"). Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity's trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity). 

Media contact: Ashley Cox
Telephone: 020 8765 7513
Email: ashley.cox@ageuk.org.uk 
Out-of-office hours: 07071 243 243