Budget for National Support Services 'likely to be substantially cut'

Finance | Gareth Jones | 1 Jun 2007

Capacitybuilders has confirmed that it will create National Support Services to replace the ChangeUp hubs, but the amount of money devoted to them is likely to be substantially less than the £9.6 million allocated to the hubs this year.

In its reaction to the consultation responses to its draft seven-year strategy Destination 2014, Capacitybuilders admitted it received support from some quarters, but also friendly challenges and 'some robust criticism'. Inevitably, it added, 'not everyone agreed with each other. For example, some thought we should not be involved in public service delivery, whilst others cited support for preparing and bidding for public service contracts as important.'

On the subject of National Support Services, it cited two recommendations in particular; that National Support Services should be demand-led rather than 'supply side focused' and that there was a need for a 'single hub or at least a single co-ordination point'.

These comments will feed into the development of proposals for National Support Services which will go out for consultation next month.

In the first two years of the programme, from June 2004 to March 2006, £28 million was allocated to the hubs. In the current financial year the budget will be £9.6 million. However, Capacitybuilders chief executive Simon Hebditch said he expected it would be 'substantially less' in future, with more of the funding balance shifted to regional, sub-regional and local ChangeUp programmes.

Directory: Capacitybuilders

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