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City’s third sector come together over austerity and Brexit
Bristol charities and social enterprises held discussions on the future of the city amid biting austerity and concerns over the impact of Brexit.
Representatives from 20 of some of the most essential community-led organisations met at the national headquarters for Triodos Bank in October to address the challenges facing community sectors from housing to business.
Among the organisations at the meeting organised by Locality were Southmead Development Trust, Barton Hill Settlement, Knowle West Media Centre and Ujima Radio, United Communities and Knightstone Housing Association.
Barton Hill chief executive said: “There is a clear need to consider long-term viability and sustainability of our organizations, particularly in an environment where traditional grant and EU funding is evaporating.”
Their meeting follows the launch of Marvin Rees’ City Office in September which saw the mayor bring together key community groups with businesses in the city to build a platform for better cooperation on crises like housing and homelessness.
He said: “We have to get organizations to identify shared priorities and work together to deliver them.”
In a statement following the community meeting in October, Bristol City Council said: “In response the council is dramatically rethinking its role in the city, anticipating less direct provision of services and a bigger role in helping others – including community and voluntary groups, businesses and citizens – get things done.
“It is likely to mean more joining up of services around the city, involving citizens and organisations in running all or part of some public services.”
The group will meet again on the December 15 to discuss the council’s latest financial strategy.
Read more: Revealed: Bristol’s Brexit hate crimes
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