Charities delivering essential public services should receive longer-term funding agreements, a backbencher has proposed – following warnings that uncertainty over government support has left organisations facing redundancies and the risk of financial collapse.

Deputy Hilary Jeune has lodged an amendment to the government’s proposed Common Strategic Policy for 2026–2030 seeking funding agreements covering several years for charities and social enterprises.

She argued that annual funding cycles undermine services, drive away staff and create unnecessary administration for both charities and government.

“Staff leave when their jobs are never secure beyond twelve months, and every departure means recruitment, training and lost relationships with the Islanders they support,” she said.

The proposal follows concerns previously highlighted by Express about charities receiving confirmation of annual grants worth more than £1 million as late as December before the funding year begins.

In March 2025, Express reported on an Association of Jersey Charities report, which described organisations operating with skeleton staffing, facing possible redundancies and struggling to plan while awaiting funding decisions.

One charity told the reviewers: “In six months’ time, I might be closing services, not building on a nice strategy.”

The report also exposed strained relationships with Government, with one organisation describing a “visceral fear” of speaking out.

“They say we are equal partners but they hold all the trump cards. They are not interested in debate or dialogue,” it said.

And in July last year, the Public Accounts Committee recommended moving towards guaranteed three-year funding cycles to improve charities’ financial security and support the long-term planning of public services.

When a charity closes, the need does not go away. It falls on government, usually at higher cost

Deputy Hilary Jeune

Deputy Jeune’s report said government accepted the recommendation in principle but deferred it indefinitely.

“The direction of travel is agreed. What is missing is a commitment with a timetable,” she wrote.

Her amendment would also require future Budgets to explain how prevention and early intervention are being prioritised, arguing that supporting Islanders before problems escalate could reduce pressure on public services.

“When a charity closes, the need does not go away. It falls on government, usually at higher cost,” her report states.

The proposal would recognise charities and social enterprises as part of Jersey’s “social infrastructure” and support their long-term resilience, including through stronger governance, digital skills and collaboration.

It also seeks fairer processes for awarding public contracts, reflecting earlier concerns about complicated systems and charities struggling to secure support when their work spans several government departments.

Deputy Jeune argued that volunteers, community trust and local knowledge should count when assessing value for money.

“The cheapest bid is not always the best value,” she said.