logo
Disabilities charity closes due to rising costs

Disabilities charity closes due to rising costs

Yahoo10-04-2025
A community project serving adults with learning difficulties has closed after 30 years, citing rising costs.
The Bridge Project Sudbury has been placed into liquidation.
The charity was founded in 1995 by Sudbury resident Anesta Newson who was made an MBE in 2012.
It said it was "incredibly proud" of its achievements, adding many of its services would be picked up by other local providers.
In a statement the trustees of the project said: "Like many charities across the UK, we have faced increasing financial challenges in recent years.
"Rising costs - including higher wages, National Insurance contributions, and the overall impact of inflation - have made it impossible to continue operating.
"Despite exploring every possible option, we have reached a point where we can no longer sustain our services."
The closure would see Sudbury Arts Centre, based at St Peter's, continue as a community interest company, supported by the Churches Conservation Trust.
Create – Paint Your Own Pottery in Borehamgate would close "with a similar offering soon to open to the public run by a respected local provider who shares our values and community ethos," the charity said.
Fresh lunch deliveries would be provided by Aspect Living.
It added: "Our focus in recent months has been on protecting the people we support and ensuring services continue where possible.
"We're grateful to the organisations who stepped in to take these forward, and to every member of staff who went above and beyond."
Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
MPs warned of threat to charities after Budget
Wellbeing charity at risk amid funding 'crisis'
The Bridge Project
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UK GDP growth slows but vehicle leasing powers ahead
UK GDP growth slows but vehicle leasing powers ahead

Yahoo

time2 days ago

  • Yahoo

UK GDP growth slows but vehicle leasing powers ahead

UK GDP grew 0.3 per cent in Q2 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) — slower than the 0.7 per cent in Q1 but ahead of forecasts. The economy contracted in April and May before bouncing back with 0.4 per cent growth in June. Liz McKeown, ONS director of economic statistics, said that while the economy was 'weak across April and May' due to activity being brought forward ahead of tax and tariff changes, it 'recovered strongly in June'. She highlighted that growth was 'led by services, with computer programming, health and vehicle leasing growing,' The Guardian reported. The inclusion of vehicle leasing among the fastest-growing service industries in Q2 has been welcomed by finance providers, who see it as a sign of sustained demand for mobility and fleet solutions. Analysts note that post-pandemic supply chain stabilisation and a shift towards flexible, asset-light business models are helping drive uptake. Mike Randall, CEO at Simply Asset Finance, said the latest GDP data comes 'against the backdrop of higher employer costs' from the recent National Insurance rise. 'Sluggish GDP growth this quarter shines a further spotlight on the business impact of National Insurance hikes,' he noted. 'As costs have increased, investing in growth and innovation has, for the time being, had to take a back seat for SMEs.' However, Randall stressed that demand remains strong: 'With recent infrastructure announcements from the Government…the potential for growth is sky high. But this requires businesses to have ready access to the right funding and support so they can strike while the iron is hot.' Business groups have warned that rising taxes and rates could weigh on momentum. The Financial Times reported that over 100 large supermarket stores could be at risk of closure under proposed business rates increases. In London, Ros Morgan of the Heart of London Business Alliance told City AM that a potential 26 per cent rise in business rates would hit firms 'with no justification or reform'. At the same time, Bloomberg has reported a shift in hiring practices, with more firms turning to self-employed contractors to avoid employers' national insurance costs. Joshua Toovey of IPSE told the outlet: 'These self-employed are a more attractive option…I can save money.' "UK GDP growth slows but vehicle leasing powers ahead" was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio

London Suffers Most Job Losses After Labour's Tax Hikes
London Suffers Most Job Losses After Labour's Tax Hikes

Bloomberg

time3 days ago

  • Bloomberg

London Suffers Most Job Losses After Labour's Tax Hikes

London is bearing the brunt of the UK's jobs slowdown as a combination of tax rises, elevated wage costs and weak consumer spending force the city's business to cut payrolls faster than in the rest of the country. The capital has shed almost 45,000 payrolls since October when the Labour government announced a £26 billion ($35 billion) hike in employers' national insurance — a payroll tax — and a new higher minimum wage, according to tax data.

Iceland blames Rachel Reeves for price rises
Iceland blames Rachel Reeves for price rises

Yahoo

time10-08-2025

  • Yahoo

Iceland blames Rachel Reeves for price rises

Iceland has blamed Rachel Reeves for fuelling higher food prices, months after its Labour-backing chairman told businesses to stop complaining about the Budget. Bosses said the supermarket 'will inevitably have to pass [some cost increases] on to consumers' after food makers were struck by an increase in both employers' National Insurance contributions and the National Living Wage. Iceland said: 'We are doing our utmost to offset the growing input cost pressures caused by suppliers seeking to recover the increase in their own labour costs arising from last autumn's Budget, but will inevitably have to pass some of these on to consumers, where we can do so without weakening our own price position in the marketplace.' In accounts published this week and signed off in July, the company said it was now expecting UK food price inflation to peak at between 4pc and 5pc in the next six months. The comments follow warnings over the rising cost of the weekly shop, with the Bank of England this week saying it was expecting increases for the rest of the year. Officials said supermarket price rises had been fuelled by government policy, pointing to the increase in the minimum wage, the Chancellor's tax raid and a net zero packaging levy. Faster than expected increases in food prices are set to send the overall rate of inflation to a peak of 4pc in September. The higher prices at Iceland come after the supermarket's chairman Richard Walker previously urged rival grocery bosses to stop 'wallowing' and 'complaining' about Ms Reeves' tax raid. Mr Walker, a former Tory donor who changed allegiance in January 2024, said in December: 'This isn't a time for businesses to wallow… The Government isn't going to change its mind. It was a tough Budget, but we adapt.' Credit rating agency Fitch recently raised concerns over Iceland's profitability, suggesting the supermarket chain would have to invest in price cuts this year at a time when it is battling higher costs. It said the supermarket, which employs more than 30,000 people, would face 'momentary profit pressure'. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store