4:01pm Friday 3rd September 2010
By Emma Lidiard
THE future of a South Lakeland charity for homeless and vulnerable people is threatened by public spending cuts.
Supported housing provider Stonham, which has helped scores of people find shelter and work, has been told it is losing its guaranteed grant.
Funding had been ringfenced by Cumbria County Council but in future the Kendal charity will have to compete for cash along with other services.
Manager Andrea Lockett said: “We know they need to save £1.5 million within the next year.
"We are trying to make savings – delivering the same service for less – but every time you do quality is lost.
“All that many people need is to have the opportunity and the right kind of support and they can make big changes in their lives, changes that can benefit the community.
"It makes human sense and financial sense.
“Our services are under threat from the imminent cuts in public spending, but people need to be aware of the impact we and services like ours have on people and on society and see the bigger picture with regard to spending.
“We save a fortune by helping people to get their lives back on track and by giving them back a stake in their community. Everyone benefits.”
A county council spokesman said: “No decision has been made yet on any service providers but we are in a position where reductions in funding will be passed down to us and it is our job to get the best value for money while continuing to maintain the excellent level of service.”
Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron, said: “It is very very important that, through our savings, we don’t throw the babies out with bath water.
"Stonham do an outstanding job and actually save the tax payer a lot of money through the work they do.”
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/trade_directory/