The report, commissioned by New Philanthropy Capital (NPC), highlights the alarming risk posed to essential public services due to underfunded contracts. A significant 62% of charity leaders indicated that their organisations use funds from alternate sources, such as fundraising, to fulfil contracted public services. Moreover, only a quarter of these contracts have seen adjustments in line with inflation.
Sarah Russell, Headway’s Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager, emphasised the report’s findings, stating, “This report supports our assertion that the services provided by Headway charities prop up statutory services.” She further expressed concern over the financial strain many Headway charities face, attributing it to inflationary pressures and declining income from local authority commissioning.
The Urgency of the Budget for Brain Injury Campaign
In light of these challenges, Headway – the brain injury association – relaunched the Budget for Brain Injury Campaign, now in its third iteration. The campaign included a letter to the Chancellor from Luke Griggs, Headway’s Chief Executive, urging the Chancellor to prioritise funding for brain injury support services in the Spring Budget. The campaign underscores the critical role played by local Headway charities, which provide essential rehabilitation and reablement services for brain injury survivors across the UK.
Luke Griggs, Headway’s Chief Executive, stressed the potential consequences of failing to support these vital services, stating, “Too many of these charities, which support thousands of families affected by brain injury, are at risk of collapse. Should they close, the effect on these families would be devastating.” Griggs highlighted not only the moral obligation, but also the economic imperative of sustaining these services, as they significantly reduce the burden on public resources.
Unfortunately, since the Headway campaign was launched, the Spring Budget presented by the Chancellor has been announced, and there remains a lack of funding allocation for individuals living with acquired brain injury (ABI).
Following the recent Budget announcement, Sarah Russell, Headway’s Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager, expressed disappointment at the Chancellor’s decision, and stated, “We are frustrated that the Chancellor once again missed an opportunity to provide funding for the high-quality community-based rehabilitation and reablement services that survivors rely on.”
Russell went on to express her gratitude to the dedicated parliament members, such as Sir Chris Bryant MP, for their continuous efforts in pressuring the government to provide the necessary funding to support the execution of the ABI Strategy. Find out more about the Headway campaign here: Budget for Brain Injury Campaign: https://www.headway.org.uk/news-and-campaigns/campaigns/budget-for-brain-injury/
Article Sources:
- Read Headway’s State of The Sector Article here: https://www.headway.org.uk/news-and-campaigns/news/2024/the-state-of-the-sector-report/
- The State of the Sector report: https://www.thinknpc.org/resource-hub/state-sector-2024/
- Headway’s reaction to the Spring Budget announcement: Headway frustrated by lack of funding for ABI services in Spring Budget
- Headway, The Brain Injury Association: https://www.headway.org.uk/
Head and Brain Injury Solicitors
At Bridge McFarland LLP, our personal injury lawyers have represented many people and their families who have suffered traumatic head or brain injuries following an accident or medical negligence.
We recognise that the consequences of such an injury are incomprehensible, unpredictable, and life changing. Not only will you want to instruct a trusted solicitor, but it is vital to ensure that you also speak to relevant medical experts to assess the injury and appropriate treatment properly. Therefore, we will work closely with your friends, family, carers, and medical professionals to obtain the best possible outcome for you and guide you through the process of making a compensation claim.
Our leading brain injury lawyers work alongside other specialist solicitors at our firm to help set up lasting powers of attorney, wills, and trusts to manage your compensation. At Bridge McFarland LLP, we can provide complete legal support and guidance for you and your family.
To speak to an experienced personal injury solicitor in Hull, Market Rasen, Scarborough, Lincoln, and Louth today, please call 0800 987 8800 or email enquiries@bmcf.co.uk.
