A charity in Luton which organises and supports volunteering was forced to close after 40 years of service on Thursday, due to lack of funding.
Trustees of Voluntary Action Luton (VAL), based in New Bedford Road, released a statement on their website to announce the sudden closure.
John Archer, CEO of Luton-based charity LAMP, said it was “a sad day for Luton”, and fears many more charities will shut in the next few months.
The VAL trustees’ statement said: “Regrettably, the organisation has not been able to withstand the current financial pressures that are being felt across all sectors and the Board of Trustees have made a very difficult decision to close the organisation’s operations. As a Board we have looked at a number of options to streamline service delivery, whilst seeking to maintain the high level of support to the wider sector that we have become accustomed to delivering.
“We are proud on reflection of the various networks and partnerships that we have worked with to be both a critical friend challenging issues on behalf of the sector and at other times providing insight and expertise to support the development of strategies and plans that have benefited organisations and the citizens of Luton.”
VAL’s annual review from March 31, 2012, which was submitted to the Charity Commission on January 29 this year, showed an income of £595,128, and spending of £767,053. Of this, £31,300 was spent on generating income, £705,400 on charitable activities and £30,300 on governance. The charity employed seven people with two volunteers.
A Luton Borough Council spokesperson said: “The council has supported and worked closely with Voluntary Action Luton on a number of initiatives over many years so it was disappointing to hear the news that they will be closing their operations.
“VAL currently receives £64,000 each year from the London Luton Airport Ltd. Community Fund.”