Home / Business and Economy / Council Cash Lifeline Saves Vital Charity
Council Cash Lifeline Saves Vital Charity
6 Mar
Summary
- Erewash Voluntary Action receives £220,000 in council funding.
- Funding prevents potential job losses and service impact.
- This secures core services for two years, allowing for solutions.
A significant financial boost of £220,000 from Erewash Borough Council has been awarded to Erewash Voluntary Action (EVA), a charity supporting 400 local voluntary groups. This funding arrives as a critical lifeline after Derbyshire County Council ceased discretionary grant funding in March 2025.
EVA's chief executive, James Bromley, expressed immense relief, stating the funding would prevent job risks and mitigate a "massive impact" on vulnerable individuals. The council's previous decision in November 2024 to cut £1.1m from the voluntary sector had left EVA's core volunteer support service facing a loss of £107,000 annually, half of its total funding.
Erewash Borough Council's intervention from its £6.5m community investment fund ensures EVA's continued operation for two years. Deputy council leader Becca Everett emphasized the council's commitment to preventing the local voluntary sector's decline, noting EVA's significant role in handling nearly 10,000 inquiries in 2025.
Despite the support, the current Derbyshire County Council, now run by Reform UK, has indicated no plans to reinstate the previous grant funding, citing a need to focus on rising operational costs. EVA's essential support for smaller, volunteer-led groups, which offers administrative and governance assistance, remains crucial for their survival.
