The Fusion21 Foundation has funded research by the Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC) and the University of Wolverhampton examining the impact of Birmingham’s financial crisis on communities.
Supported by Birmingham City Council, the project focused on the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector and the city’s most affected communities.
Jo Hannan, Head of the Fusion21 Foundation, said: “The Fusion21 Foundation is proud to have funded this research into the impact of financial cuts affecting communities and the VCFSE sector in Birmingham.
“Our funding priorities - financial inclusion and resilience, health and well-being, and employment and skills - are all reflected in these findings. We’re encouraged to see how the report's insights and recommendations can support city leaders in refocusing their efforts and help pave a more sustainable and resilient path forward for Birmingham’s residents."
Brian Carr, Chief Executive, BVSC, added: “This is a vitally important piece of research that gives leaders in all sectors in Birmingham clear pointers for working better together for the benefit of Birmingham's citizens. I commend my colleagues in the voluntary sector for the honesty and clarity of their feedback, and Birmingham City Council for its openness to being scrutinised in a way that opens the door for further improvement. The report provides suggestions for the steps needed to realise the City Vision's commitment to build a stronger, more equal society."
The report, From Challenge to Change: How Birmingham’s Financial Crisis is Impacting Communities and the Path Forward, explores the impact of Birmingham’s financial crisis on communities and offers a path forward to rebuild in-line with the Birmingham City Vision. It calls on City leaders from all sectors to commit to a shared, values-led transformation rooted in transparency, collaboration, and collective accountability.
Click here to read an easy-read summary of the report.