February 15, 2002
MSPs have been accused by one of Scotland's biggest care charities of pouring cold water on the fundraising efforts of thousands of schoolchildren and the generosity of business leaders.
Phil Robinson, the chief executive of Quarriers, says the vote in the Scottish Parliament last night (February 14), which will strip charities of their right to relief on water rates, could cost his organisation £50,000 a year. That is as much as volunteers bring in at their two largest annual fundraising events...Quarriers' highly popular pre-Christmas concerts at Prince's Square in Glasgow, which involves children from schools all over the West of Scotland, and their Noel Lunch, which is supported by dozens of companies and organisations.
Mr Robinson has written to the Environment Minister, Ross Finnie, telling him that he is "bemused by the Executive's apparent willingness to attack the voluntary sector ", while at the same time urging charities to get involved in new partnerships to improve mainstream services, as proposed in the Executive strategy document "Scotland's Children".
Mr Finnie asked MSPs to support the Water Industry (Scotland) Bill, which will amalgamate the three Scottish water authorities and in the process remove the 80 percent relief on water rates currently enjoyed by all charities. In an 11th hour bid to silence critics, the Executive on Wednnesday announced that charities with an income up to £50,000 a year would be exempt from water rates. Originally the concession was applied to those with an income of under £10,000 a year. The Bill was amended yesterday to include the announcement of a fund of £1 million for charities which will be hit by water rate bills. Half of Scotland's charities (those with incomes of £50,000 and over) will be fighting for a share.
In his letter to the Minister Mr Robinson wrote: " Although an extra charge of £50,000 may seem relatively small in relation to this charity's annual turnover of £20m, it is in fact equivalent to the combined takings from our two largest fundraising events or a major charitable trust grant.
"Quarriers is not a wealthy charity and is heavily dependent on local authority funding for most of its services. Any extra costs occasioned through these proposals will have to be re-charged to the funding authorities, if services are not to be compromised".
Quarriers is Scotland's third largest care organisation, operating more than 70 projects at 100 sites right across the country. It employs 1,000 people, providing services to children, families, young people and adults with disabilities.
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
Quarriers is Scotland's third largest care charity, number SC001960. Established in 1871, it provides a wide range of care services for children, families, young people and adults with a disability from around 70 projects at around 100 sites in west-central, south-west and north-east Scotland.
This information from Shona O'Donnell of The Business, public relations support to Quarriers. For more information please contact: Tel: 0131 718 6022 Fax: 0131 718 6145 Mobile: 07879 842527
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