Nine regional networks which support 15,000 black, minority and ethnic (BME) organisations may have their funding cut at the end of the financial year. Support from the Government for the BME Regional Voluntary and Community Sector Networks is due to run out in 2009. Voice4Change England, which represents the BME community and voluntary sector, is urging the Government to rethink its plans. Director of the organisation Vandna Gohil said unless funding for the regional networks continues the essential function they perform will be lost. “There is a continuing need for strong BME regional infrastructure organisations facilitating the engagement of the BME third sector with Government at all levels,” he added. Voice4Change England has published a paper in which it shows concerns about the results of a lack of continued support from the Government. This month the organisation is holding seminars to discuss the ways in which equalities and race relations are woven into legal documentation.

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13 November 2008
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