Rescue package for CVS (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Rescue package for CVS

8:11am Sunday 3rd December 2006 in Chard By News reporter

AN emergency rescue package has been agreed to save the Council for Voluntary Service in South Somerset from collapse.

South Somerset District Council approved an award of £100,000 to the CVS last week.

The CVS approached the council for funding after a financial assessment revealed that short-term commitments might not be met.

Council leader Cllr Tim Carroll said: "The CVS carry out vital work in the community, providing transport for social services and other vulnerable clients throughout the district as well as a wide range of other voluntary activities which underpin our way of life in South Somerset.

"Had we not acted quickly SSDC and the other statutory agencies would have been left to pick up the pieces.

"It would have meant a total destruction of provision to the disabled, elderly, infirm and other groups in the area.

"There was a need to act quickly and decisively, preventing the loss of more than 80 employees and 100 volunteers, and SSDC was best placed to do that."

The district council funding aims to ensure that the CVS is able to carry out its work in the community and produce a financial recovery plan.

The emergency funding is in addition to a grant of £65,026 agreed by the council's Corporate Grants Committee in February, 2006.