The vast majority of us are either active within or benefit from the work of the voluntary sector.

The range of charitable, not for profit organisations is huge.

The most recent figures suggest that the provision of social services is the largest single area of activity (18%) followed by cultural and recreational services (14%) and then religious activities (9%) with a financial turn over of £73.1 billion, according to the Charity Commission.

Incidentally, it’s worth taking a look at the Charity Commission web page to see the declared financial position of all registered charities, both local and national. Interesting reading!

I am certain we all appreciate the outstanding work undertaken by this sector. It may be youth work (eg Scouts/Guides); it may be medical research (eg cancer/diabetes) it might be charities (eg Oxfam/Red Cross) the list is almost endless, and certainly just about every need is catered for.

Teignbridge Council recognises and values highly the contribution the third sector makes to the lives of so many, and over the years has consistently tried to help and support.

This year, next year and the year after, for instance, a budget of £192,890 is proposed for the voluntary sector. We all wish it could be even more but, despite some views to the contrary, Teignbridge Council is not a charity and needs to consider carefully the use of every penny of public money.

The pandemic, with which we still struggle, highlighted problems within the sector and some organisations struggled to keep afloat.

The council tried to help, and certainly managed to in some cases. It will continue to do so, but is currently undertaking an exercise in examining the best way to allocate a shrinking budget when council income has dropped.

Various recommendations have come forward from an all-party group which I have chaired. It is clear that some changes must be made to enable and encourage some organisations to gain access to the limited funds, to which they have not previously had access.

It is very important that all organisations have the same opportunity to support funding and that the process is open and transparent. It is certainly not the intention that any group should suffer, but a cake can only be sliced in so many ways.

New rules are being considered to ensure the organisations supported meet the aims and aspirations of the authority.

These are a) alleviating poverty b) promoting health and well being c) ensuring access for isolated groups and d) climate change mitigation, environmental enhancements and bio diversity.

One area of possible contention is the proposal for a Teignbridge-wide lottery in which all not for profit organisations will be invited to participate.

I should stress that Teignbridge will not make a penny out of this lottery (should the idea be accepted) but weekly tickets will be sold for and on behalf of participating groups.

Participants can declare for charity x, y or z and that designated charity will receive a regular cash payment based on sales.

This has the potential to improve cash flow for any and all local organisations. I stress this will be entirely for local organisations and not a penny will come to the council.

All locally affected organisations are being contacted and consulted. The final recommendations will go forward to the Executive Committee for final decision making, probably in the new year.