BLOG POST: What the UK Budget Means for Charities in Doncaster and Across the UK

The recent UK Budget includes several decisions that charities should be aware of. Some create opportunities, while others may increase pressure on already stretched organisations.

1. Rising Operational Costs

Charities may face higher costs due to:

• Increased wage expectations

• Rising prices for goods and services

• Higher running costs linked to inflation

This means budgeting and resource-planning will be more important than ever, especially for smaller charities with tight margins.

2. Increased Demand for Charity Services

As the cost-of-living situation continues to impact households, more people may rely on charities for support. This can include:

• Foodbanks

• Mental health services

• Housing and homelessness support

• Digital inclusion providers

• Community support charities

Higher demand without equivalent funding can create more strain on teams and resources.

3. More Opportunities for Partnership with Public Services

The Budget includes increased public spending for areas such as:

• Health

• Social care

• Housing

• Community support

Local authorities and public agencies may look to charities and CICs to help deliver services or support vulnerable residents. This could lead to:

• Collaboration opportunities

• Joint projects

• Commissioned service contracts

Networking and partnership-building will be essential over the next year.

4. Stronger Expectations Around Compliance and Governance

Funding for the Charity Commission is set to rise. This may mean:

• Increased compliance checks

• Greater scrutiny of governance

• A stronger focus on transparency

For charities, this reinforces the importance of good record-keeping, data protection, safeguarding, and strong leadership processes.

5. The Need to Diversify Funding Streams

With many public bodies tightening budgets, it will be important for charities to:

• Explore new income streams

• Strengthen relationships with donors

• Build partnerships with local businesses

• Improve grant-writing capacity

• Join collaborative funding bids

For South Yorkshire charities, working together may be one of the most effective ways to secure sustainable funding.

So What Should Charities Do Next?

Here are some practical steps to help charities adapt to the new Budget landscape:

• Strengthen partnerships

Connect with other charities, CICs, and suppliers to share resources, reduce costs, and expand your reach.

• Improve efficiency

Look for ways to streamline operations, use shared services, or collaborate on projects.

• Build relationships with local authorities

Public services may be more open to partnership than ever.

• Diversify income

Look at grants, corporate partnerships, community fundraising, and collaborative applications.

• Stay compliant

Expect more emphasis on governance and reporting — preparing early will reduce stress later.

How The Charity Hub Can Help

The Charity Hub exists to support local charities through collaboration, networking, and shared knowledge. Our events, training, and community network help organisations:

• Stay informed

• Build partnerships

• Share best practices

• Access new opportunities

• Navigate sector changes together

No charity should face these challenges alone. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient third sector across Doncaster and South Yorkshire.