‘Grave concerns’ over Edinburgh funding cuts

Age Scotland has written to the Chief Officer of Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board and councillors on the committee, expressing grave concerns over the serious impact funding cuts would have on tens of thousands of older people in the city.

The EIJB has announced plans that would see £4.5m in grant funding to 64 charity and third sector organisations in Edinburgh cut as early as January 2025, and no grants programme in place for 2025-26.

Age Scotland’s Chief Executive, Katherine Crawford, said:

“Age Scotland is gravely concerned over the impact of these funding cuts.  

“We understand the extreme challenges the EIJB is facing, handling a significant financial deficit, but there is no doubt that if they become a reality, these cuts will have a devastating impact on some of Edinburgh’s most vulnerable residents - many of whom are already struggling to access the support they need.  

“Furthermore, taking the decision to bring cuts forward to January 2025 gives organisations just 90 days to find alternative funding and puts the future of many vital projects at extreme risk.  

“These funded organisations are doing hugely valuable work to tackle some of the biggest health and care challenges the city is facing, and we are very worried about what might happen to those relying on their lifeline services and resources should they no longer be available.  

“Hampering their ability to deliver these services is likely to cause more complex problems further down the line which will land at the door of the council or the NHS. Moderate levels of need can quickly become substantial or critical if that initial need isn’t met and managed.  

“Organisations are rightly angry about the lack of serious discussion, lack of recognition of the impact and incredibly short timescales.  

“Tens of thousands of older people here in Edinburgh will be impacted by this, and we would urge Board members to do everything in their power to protect this funding and to exhaust all potential avenues of support through the council and Scottish Government."