10/05/2011 – Press Release: Lasa welcomes London Councils’ new grant scheme
London borough leaders have today (10 May) voted to increase the budget for a pan-London grants scheme from £17.691 million to £20.767 million. Terry Stokes, Chief Executive of Lasa, commented on today's decision:
"Lasa is delighted that London Councils has recognised the importance of our services and has decided to continue funding for three out of four commissioned services. This will enable us to continue helping advice workers give the best possible welfare advice to their clients
It also means we can help not for profit organisations make the most effective and efficient use of information technology. Some of the most vulnerable people across London will continue to get expert advice on the issues that affect them.
More generally, we are concerned that the expertise of experienced welfare rights workers will be lost because of cuts to social welfare advice organisations. Lasa will adapt to this new reality and help advice workers give the best possible information and advice to their clients. We look forward to working with other agencies and with London Councils to deliver the best services to as many people as possible in coming years."
Notes for editors
1) More information about the decision is available on the London Councils website
2) For media enquiries, please contact Paul Treloar on 0207 377 2748 or contact Liz Nightingale, email liz.nightingale@freelancepr.org
3) The following Lasa commissions have been recommended as meeting both the principles and the priorities of the new revised London Councils grants scheme:
- Service 17 - legal and advice 2nd tier policy and voice (£71,353)
- Service 21 - improve the use of ICTby frontline voluntary organisations through second tier support (£50,000)
- Service 50 - provide legal advice and representation across the various areas of social welfare law (£74,001)