This month’s public services news will focus on finances, with the Autumn Budget due, along with new funding from the Home Office to tackle hate crime.
All eyes on the Chancellor
The Budget is a little early this year (29 October), and what was widely expected to be a quiet affair ahead of Brexit, is now increasingly being looked to as a way for the government to set out its stall ahead of a possible general election. As well as the extra £20bn promised to the NHS, Hammond will be looking for ways to show he is acting on the prime minister’s party conference promise that ‘austerity is over’. In particular, local authorities will be looking for some relief to the intense funding pressures they’ve been under, especially with regard to social care. We’ll have all of our usual coverage on the day, but if you want to hear more on what scope the chancellor has, the IFS’s Green Budget presentations are a great place to start.
New Home Office funds
The application window for Year 3 of the Hate Crime Community Project Fund has just opened, until 7 December. The scheme funds community-led projects up to £75,000 each, to tackle hate crime in communities most affected by hate crime. All information about the scheme and how to apply can be found on the government’s website. You can contact the hate crime team with any questions at hatecrimeprojects@homeoffice.gov.uk.
The £200m Youth Endowment Fund recently announced by the home secretary is also now available for open early engagement. This means that a ‘procurement idea’ is in the early stage of development and the government is judging interest from potential suppliers. Details are available on Contracts Finder, or you can email YEFenquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk with any questions.
VCSE Crown Rep webinar
The VCSE Crown Representative, Claire Dove, will be presenting a webinar on 25 October at 2.30pm on a new Test and Learn Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) used by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), which will aim to engage with organisations around employment support.
This Test & Learn DPS would present opportunities for charities and businesses, with a focus on innovation and local specialist support, to support and test the development of new approaches for employment support. This provision will be key to building evidence to support the delivery of future provision at both national and local level.
You can follow Claire’s wider work via Twitter.
Michael was our senior policy officer until January 2019, covering issues around charity tax and finance (including social investment) and the impact of the economy on the sector. 
