The Cabinet Office recognises the valuable role that the voluntary, community and faith sector (VCFS) can play in all aspects of resilience. The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 requires local Category 1 responders ‘to have regard’ to the activities of voluntary organisations while carrying out their duties. This is reinforced in guidance and standards, which provide further detail on the benefits of including the VCFS within local exercising.

The Cabinet Office is committed to conducting one major ‘Tier 1’ ministerial-led exercise annually under the National Exercising Programme. On 15th July and as part of the national resilience annual statement, the government announced that the next Tier 1 exercise (Exercise ALBISTON SHADOW) will focus on homeland defence.

Under a Tier 1 exercise, Government departments, agencies, non-governmental organisations and local responders are all involved to deliver the objectives and requirements of each year's exercise. In support of this, work is also underway to ensure that guidance, best practice, frameworks and other tools are made available to all parts of the system so that high-quality exercising can happen at all levels, not just during Tier 1 exercises.

Voluntary organisations are essential partners in the UK Government mission to build national and local pride.

While community development is a devolved matter, the Scotland Office works closely with all UK Government departments to ensure UK-wide funding structures empower Scotland's third sector.

Through our targeted £280 million Pride in Place Programme, the £12 million Pride in Place Impact Fund and the new £140 million Local Growth Fund, we are putting real spending power into the hands of communities, to protect vital assets and drive local growth across Scotland.

The Value for Money Review of homelessness will assess the underlying cost-effectiveness of cross government spend that helps to prevent and relieve all forms of homelessness, and will make actionable recommendations that improve efficiency, accountability, outcomes, and reduce financial pressures on councils. As part of the review, we will also seek views from external stakeholders via the Homelessness Expert Group which includes representatives from front-line services, local government, and the third sector.

For further details please see the published Terms of Reference available here.

The government is investing £900 million to enable local authorities to deliver Best Start Family Hubs and Healthy Babies services over the next three years and recognises the important role that volunteer-led family support services will play in this programme of work.

The department has published guidance to local authorities on delivery expectations for Best Start Family Hubs and Healthy Babies services including clear expectations that local authorities will work in partnership with the voluntary, community and faith (VCF) sector to deliver the programme.

The guidance explains that partnership models will vary by area but could include VCF organisations having a formal role in governance arrangements, being commissioned to deliver services; delivering Best Start network sites or outreach services, offering specialist or trusted services to communities that would otherwise not engage and supporting local resilience and system capacity through community‑led delivery models. The guidance is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/best-start-family-hubs-and-healthy-babies-guidance-for-local-authorities.

The Government is clear that tackling poverty and improving employment outcomes requires partnership working and that government cannot achieve this alone. The voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector is the bedrock of our communities, providing vital support to individuals and families experiencing poverty or unemployment.

The Civil Society Covenant demonstrates our commitment to working with the VCSE sector, recognising the value of civil society and supporting collaboration between government and VCSE partners. In addition, VCSE organisations will be fundamental to the delivery of our £500 million Better Futures Fund, which will support vulnerable children, young people and their families through innovative place-based projects seeking to break down barriers to opportunity and give children the best start in life.

Over the last 5 years we have spent £650m within the VCSE sector, the vast majority of which (at least 70% annually) is in Employment Services, which represents almost £500m in the sector over the period. We have ambitious plans with ministers for approval that aim to almost double our overall spend with the sector over the next two years and more importantly demonstrate a real commitment to engaging and working more effectively with both the VCSE and Small and Medium-sized Enterprise sectors and have already commenced delivery of these plans.

To develop and deliver the Child Poverty Strategy, we work in partnership with VCSE organisations at a national and local level. We will continue to engage directly with the VCSE sector to deliver our wider ambitions to reduce poverty and improve employment outcomes.

The HM Revenue and Customs Grant Funding programme is designed to build customers’ capability and confidence over time, enabling them to engage directly with HMRC and manage their tax affairs independently in future.

However, there is also recognition that for a small proportion of customers with particular needs, the holistic approach and specialist service provided by the VCS organisations may be an ongoing need. In tandem with this, HMRC will continue to improve its services to make them as accessible as possible to all customers.

The design principles for the 2027–30 programme have been strengthened to align with HMRC’s Transformation Roadmap and anticipated areas of need, including the rollout of Making Tax Digital for ITSA, and HMRC’s focus on improving compliance. This ensures that support is targeted at those most likely to benefit and supports longer-term self-sufficiency.

HM Revenue and Customs increased funding for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Grant Funding Scheme to strengthen support for customers who need extra help engaging with the tax system.

The increase reflects Departmental recognition of the successes of the existing scheme, the increasing customer base and the importance of providing additional support as HMRC modernises and expands its digital services, which can present challenges for some customers.

VCS organisations play a key role in helping those with complex needs, including individuals who are digitally excluded or lack confidence in dealing with HMRC directly.

By increasing funding, HMRC is reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that these customers can access free, independent advice and build the skills and confidence needed to manage their tax affairs, supporting the wider objective that no one is left behind.

HM Revenue and Customs has not made a specific estimate of the savings to the public purse arising from the work of organisations funded under the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme.

However, the programme delivers value for money by supporting customers to get their tax affairs right, improving compliance, helping ensure the correct amount of tax is paid, and that individuals receive the entitlements to which they are entitled.

Evidence from the current programme demonstrates that funded organisations play an important role in correcting tax liabilities and supporting customers with complex needs, contributing to wider system efficiency.

HM Revenue and Customs has not made a specific estimate of the proportion of customers supported through the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme who subsequently become self-sufficient in managing their tax affairs.

However, one of the key principles of the programme is to build customers’ capability and confidence over time, enabling them to engage directly with HMRC and manage their tax affairs independently in future.

HM Revenue and Customs has designed the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Programme to ensure as wide geographical coverage across the United Kingdom as possible and to ensure appropriate access to support across the United Kingdom, including for customers in Essex.

Organisations are selected through open competition and chosen from a range of regional, UK wide, and devolved nation specific organisations to maximise coverage across the UK. However, organisations are selected based on the merits and quality of their application, rather than their geographical location.

Funded organisations deliver services on both a national and regional basis, including across the devolved nations, ensuring that support is available to customers regardless of location.

This approach reflects HMRC’s assessment that a mixed model of UK-wide and regionally delivered provision is effective in reaching customers who need extra help, including those who may otherwise find it difficult to engage with HMRC directly.

Between April 2024 and March 2026, over 85,000 customers received assistance through organisations funded by HM Revenue and Customs’ Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme. This breaks down to about 42,000 for 2024-25 and 43,000 for 2025-26.

Based on current delivery assumptions, the programme is expected to support around 40-45,000 customers per year. As funding for the 2027–30 programme has been doubled, HMRC expects this increased investment to enable a significant expansion in the number of customers supported.

The performance measures for the 2027–30 Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Programme are aligned with the Cabinet Office Grants Functional Standard and minimum requirements set by the Centre of Excellence for Grants Management.

Performance will be assessed against a range of key outcomes, including the types of support provided to customers, the nature of queries handled, and the extent to which customers have sought or received support through other channels. Participating organisations also provide information on customer demographics and the characteristics of those supported.

Monitoring requirements are designed to be proportionate to the size and value of each grant, with consistent assessment applied across all funded organisations to ensure transparency and value for money.

The HM Revenue and Customs Grant Funding programme is designed to build customers’ capability and confidence over time, enabling them to engage directly with HMRC and manage their tax affairs independently in future.

However, there is also recognition that for a small proportion of customers with particular needs, the holistic approach and specialist service provided by the VCS organisations may be an ongoing need. In tandem with this, HMRC will continue to improve its services to make them as accessible as possible to all customers.

The design principles for the 2027–30 programme have been strengthened to align with HMRC’s Transformation Roadmap and anticipated areas of need, including the rollout of Making Tax Digital for ITSA, and HMRC’s focus on improving compliance. This ensures that support is targeted at those most likely to benefit and supports longer-term self-sufficiency.

HM Revenue and Customs increased funding for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Grant Funding Scheme to strengthen support for customers who need extra help engaging with the tax system.

The increase reflects Departmental recognition of the successes of the existing scheme, the increasing customer base and the importance of providing additional support as HMRC modernises and expands its digital services, which can present challenges for some customers.

VCS organisations play a key role in helping those with complex needs, including individuals who are digitally excluded or lack confidence in dealing with HMRC directly.

By increasing funding, HMRC is reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that these customers can access free, independent advice and build the skills and confidence needed to manage their tax affairs, supporting the wider objective that no one is left behind.

HM Revenue and Customs has not made a specific estimate of the savings to the public purse arising from the work of organisations funded under the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme.

However, the programme delivers value for money by supporting customers to get their tax affairs right, improving compliance, helping ensure the correct amount of tax is paid, and that individuals receive the entitlements to which they are entitled.

Evidence from the current programme demonstrates that funded organisations play an important role in correcting tax liabilities and supporting customers with complex needs, contributing to wider system efficiency.

HM Revenue and Customs has not made a specific estimate of the proportion of customers supported through the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme who subsequently become self-sufficient in managing their tax affairs.

However, one of the key principles of the programme is to build customers’ capability and confidence over time, enabling them to engage directly with HMRC and manage their tax affairs independently in future.

HM Revenue and Customs has designed the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Programme to ensure as wide geographical coverage across the United Kingdom as possible and to ensure appropriate access to support across the United Kingdom, including for customers in Essex.

Organisations are selected through open competition and chosen from a range of regional, UK wide, and devolved nation specific organisations to maximise coverage across the UK. However, organisations are selected based on the merits and quality of their application, rather than their geographical location.

Funded organisations deliver services on both a national and regional basis, including across the devolved nations, ensuring that support is available to customers regardless of location.

This approach reflects HMRC’s assessment that a mixed model of UK-wide and regionally delivered provision is effective in reaching customers who need extra help, including those who may otherwise find it difficult to engage with HMRC directly.

Between April 2024 and March 2026, over 85,000 customers received assistance through organisations funded by HM Revenue and Customs’ Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme. This breaks down to about 42,000 for 2024-25 and 43,000 for 2025-26.

Based on current delivery assumptions, the programme is expected to support around 40-45,000 customers per year. As funding for the 2027–30 programme has been doubled, HMRC expects this increased investment to enable a significant expansion in the number of customers supported.

The performance measures for the 2027–30 Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Programme are aligned with the Cabinet Office Grants Functional Standard and minimum requirements set by the Centre of Excellence for Grants Management.

Performance will be assessed against a range of key outcomes, including the types of support provided to customers, the nature of queries handled, and the extent to which customers have sought or received support through other channels. Participating organisations also provide information on customer demographics and the characteristics of those supported.

Monitoring requirements are designed to be proportionate to the size and value of each grant, with consistent assessment applied across all funded organisations to ensure transparency and value for money.

The HM Revenue and Customs Grant Funding programme is designed to build customers’ capability and confidence over time, enabling them to engage directly with HMRC and manage their tax affairs independently in future.

However, there is also recognition that for a small proportion of customers with particular needs, the holistic approach and specialist service provided by the VCS organisations may be an ongoing need. In tandem with this, HMRC will continue to improve its services to make them as accessible as possible to all customers.

The design principles for the 2027–30 programme have been strengthened to align with HMRC’s Transformation Roadmap and anticipated areas of need, including the rollout of Making Tax Digital for ITSA, and HMRC’s focus on improving compliance. This ensures that support is targeted at those most likely to benefit and supports longer-term self-sufficiency.

HM Revenue and Customs increased funding for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Grant Funding Scheme to strengthen support for customers who need extra help engaging with the tax system.

The increase reflects Departmental recognition of the successes of the existing scheme, the increasing customer base and the importance of providing additional support as HMRC modernises and expands its digital services, which can present challenges for some customers.

VCS organisations play a key role in helping those with complex needs, including individuals who are digitally excluded or lack confidence in dealing with HMRC directly.

By increasing funding, HMRC is reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that these customers can access free, independent advice and build the skills and confidence needed to manage their tax affairs, supporting the wider objective that no one is left behind.

HM Revenue and Customs has not made a specific estimate of the savings to the public purse arising from the work of organisations funded under the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme.

However, the programme delivers value for money by supporting customers to get their tax affairs right, improving compliance, helping ensure the correct amount of tax is paid, and that individuals receive the entitlements to which they are entitled.

Evidence from the current programme demonstrates that funded organisations play an important role in correcting tax liabilities and supporting customers with complex needs, contributing to wider system efficiency.

HM Revenue and Customs has not made a specific estimate of the proportion of customers supported through the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme who subsequently become self-sufficient in managing their tax affairs.

However, one of the key principles of the programme is to build customers’ capability and confidence over time, enabling them to engage directly with HMRC and manage their tax affairs independently in future.

HM Revenue and Customs has designed the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Programme to ensure as wide geographical coverage across the United Kingdom as possible and to ensure appropriate access to support across the United Kingdom, including for customers in Essex.

Organisations are selected through open competition and chosen from a range of regional, UK wide, and devolved nation specific organisations to maximise coverage across the UK. However, organisations are selected based on the merits and quality of their application, rather than their geographical location.

Funded organisations deliver services on both a national and regional basis, including across the devolved nations, ensuring that support is available to customers regardless of location.

This approach reflects HMRC’s assessment that a mixed model of UK-wide and regionally delivered provision is effective in reaching customers who need extra help, including those who may otherwise find it difficult to engage with HMRC directly.

Between April 2024 and March 2026, over 85,000 customers received assistance through organisations funded by HM Revenue and Customs’ Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme. This breaks down to about 42,000 for 2024-25 and 43,000 for 2025-26.

Based on current delivery assumptions, the programme is expected to support around 40-45,000 customers per year. As funding for the 2027–30 programme has been doubled, HMRC expects this increased investment to enable a significant expansion in the number of customers supported.

The performance measures for the 2027–30 Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Programme are aligned with the Cabinet Office Grants Functional Standard and minimum requirements set by the Centre of Excellence for Grants Management.

Performance will be assessed against a range of key outcomes, including the types of support provided to customers, the nature of queries handled, and the extent to which customers have sought or received support through other channels. Participating organisations also provide information on customer demographics and the characteristics of those supported.

Monitoring requirements are designed to be proportionate to the size and value of each grant, with consistent assessment applied across all funded organisations to ensure transparency and value for money.

The HM Revenue and Customs Grant Funding programme is designed to build customers’ capability and confidence over time, enabling them to engage directly with HMRC and manage their tax affairs independently in future.

However, there is also recognition that for a small proportion of customers with particular needs, the holistic approach and specialist service provided by the VCS organisations may be an ongoing need. In tandem with this, HMRC will continue to improve its services to make them as accessible as possible to all customers.

The design principles for the 2027–30 programme have been strengthened to align with HMRC’s Transformation Roadmap and anticipated areas of need, including the rollout of Making Tax Digital for ITSA, and HMRC’s focus on improving compliance. This ensures that support is targeted at those most likely to benefit and supports longer-term self-sufficiency.

HM Revenue and Customs increased funding for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Grant Funding Scheme to strengthen support for customers who need extra help engaging with the tax system.

The increase reflects Departmental recognition of the successes of the existing scheme, the increasing customer base and the importance of providing additional support as HMRC modernises and expands its digital services, which can present challenges for some customers.

VCS organisations play a key role in helping those with complex needs, including individuals who are digitally excluded or lack confidence in dealing with HMRC directly.

By increasing funding, HMRC is reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that these customers can access free, independent advice and build the skills and confidence needed to manage their tax affairs, supporting the wider objective that no one is left behind.

HM Revenue and Customs has not made a specific estimate of the savings to the public purse arising from the work of organisations funded under the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme.

However, the programme delivers value for money by supporting customers to get their tax affairs right, improving compliance, helping ensure the correct amount of tax is paid, and that individuals receive the entitlements to which they are entitled.

Evidence from the current programme demonstrates that funded organisations play an important role in correcting tax liabilities and supporting customers with complex needs, contributing to wider system efficiency.

HM Revenue and Customs has not made a specific estimate of the proportion of customers supported through the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme who subsequently become self-sufficient in managing their tax affairs.

However, one of the key principles of the programme is to build customers’ capability and confidence over time, enabling them to engage directly with HMRC and manage their tax affairs independently in future.

HM Revenue and Customs has designed the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Programme to ensure as wide geographical coverage across the United Kingdom as possible and to ensure appropriate access to support across the United Kingdom, including for customers in Essex.

Organisations are selected through open competition and chosen from a range of regional, UK wide, and devolved nation specific organisations to maximise coverage across the UK. However, organisations are selected based on the merits and quality of their application, rather than their geographical location.

Funded organisations deliver services on both a national and regional basis, including across the devolved nations, ensuring that support is available to customers regardless of location.

This approach reflects HMRC’s assessment that a mixed model of UK-wide and regionally delivered provision is effective in reaching customers who need extra help, including those who may otherwise find it difficult to engage with HMRC directly.

Between April 2024 and March 2026, over 85,000 customers received assistance through organisations funded by HM Revenue and Customs’ Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme. This breaks down to about 42,000 for 2024-25 and 43,000 for 2025-26.

Based on current delivery assumptions, the programme is expected to support around 40-45,000 customers per year. As funding for the 2027–30 programme has been doubled, HMRC expects this increased investment to enable a significant expansion in the number of customers supported.

The performance measures for the 2027–30 Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Programme are aligned with the Cabinet Office Grants Functional Standard and minimum requirements set by the Centre of Excellence for Grants Management.

Performance will be assessed against a range of key outcomes, including the types of support provided to customers, the nature of queries handled, and the extent to which customers have sought or received support through other channels. Participating organisations also provide information on customer demographics and the characteristics of those supported.

Monitoring requirements are designed to be proportionate to the size and value of each grant, with consistent assessment applied across all funded organisations to ensure transparency and value for money.

The HM Revenue and Customs Grant Funding programme is designed to build customers’ capability and confidence over time, enabling them to engage directly with HMRC and manage their tax affairs independently in future.

However, there is also recognition that for a small proportion of customers with particular needs, the holistic approach and specialist service provided by the VCS organisations may be an ongoing need. In tandem with this, HMRC will continue to improve its services to make them as accessible as possible to all customers.

The design principles for the 2027–30 programme have been strengthened to align with HMRC’s Transformation Roadmap and anticipated areas of need, including the rollout of Making Tax Digital for ITSA, and HMRC’s focus on improving compliance. This ensures that support is targeted at those most likely to benefit and supports longer-term self-sufficiency.

HM Revenue and Customs increased funding for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Grant Funding Scheme to strengthen support for customers who need extra help engaging with the tax system.

The increase reflects Departmental recognition of the successes of the existing scheme, the increasing customer base and the importance of providing additional support as HMRC modernises and expands its digital services, which can present challenges for some customers.

VCS organisations play a key role in helping those with complex needs, including individuals who are digitally excluded or lack confidence in dealing with HMRC directly.

By increasing funding, HMRC is reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that these customers can access free, independent advice and build the skills and confidence needed to manage their tax affairs, supporting the wider objective that no one is left behind.

HM Revenue and Customs has not made a specific estimate of the savings to the public purse arising from the work of organisations funded under the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme.

However, the programme delivers value for money by supporting customers to get their tax affairs right, improving compliance, helping ensure the correct amount of tax is paid, and that individuals receive the entitlements to which they are entitled.

Evidence from the current programme demonstrates that funded organisations play an important role in correcting tax liabilities and supporting customers with complex needs, contributing to wider system efficiency.

HM Revenue and Customs has not made a specific estimate of the proportion of customers supported through the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme who subsequently become self-sufficient in managing their tax affairs.

However, one of the key principles of the programme is to build customers’ capability and confidence over time, enabling them to engage directly with HMRC and manage their tax affairs independently in future.

HM Revenue and Customs has designed the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Programme to ensure as wide geographical coverage across the United Kingdom as possible and to ensure appropriate access to support across the United Kingdom, including for customers in Essex.

Organisations are selected through open competition and chosen from a range of regional, UK wide, and devolved nation specific organisations to maximise coverage across the UK. However, organisations are selected based on the merits and quality of their application, rather than their geographical location.

Funded organisations deliver services on both a national and regional basis, including across the devolved nations, ensuring that support is available to customers regardless of location.

This approach reflects HMRC’s assessment that a mixed model of UK-wide and regionally delivered provision is effective in reaching customers who need extra help, including those who may otherwise find it difficult to engage with HMRC directly.

Between April 2024 and March 2026, over 85,000 customers received assistance through organisations funded by HM Revenue and Customs’ Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme. This breaks down to about 42,000 for 2024-25 and 43,000 for 2025-26.

Based on current delivery assumptions, the programme is expected to support around 40-45,000 customers per year. As funding for the 2027–30 programme has been doubled, HMRC expects this increased investment to enable a significant expansion in the number of customers supported.

The performance measures for the 2027–30 Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Programme are aligned with the Cabinet Office Grants Functional Standard and minimum requirements set by the Centre of Excellence for Grants Management.

Performance will be assessed against a range of key outcomes, including the types of support provided to customers, the nature of queries handled, and the extent to which customers have sought or received support through other channels. Participating organisations also provide information on customer demographics and the characteristics of those supported.

Monitoring requirements are designed to be proportionate to the size and value of each grant, with consistent assessment applied across all funded organisations to ensure transparency and value for money.

The HM Revenue and Customs Grant Funding programme is designed to build customers’ capability and confidence over time, enabling them to engage directly with HMRC and manage their tax affairs independently in future.

However, there is also recognition that for a small proportion of customers with particular needs, the holistic approach and specialist service provided by the VCS organisations may be an ongoing need. In tandem with this, HMRC will continue to improve its services to make them as accessible as possible to all customers.

The design principles for the 2027–30 programme have been strengthened to align with HMRC’s Transformation Roadmap and anticipated areas of need, including the rollout of Making Tax Digital for ITSA, and HMRC’s focus on improving compliance. This ensures that support is targeted at those most likely to benefit and supports longer-term self-sufficiency.

HM Revenue and Customs increased funding for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Grant Funding Scheme to strengthen support for customers who need extra help engaging with the tax system.

The increase reflects Departmental recognition of the successes of the existing scheme, the increasing customer base and the importance of providing additional support as HMRC modernises and expands its digital services, which can present challenges for some customers.

VCS organisations play a key role in helping those with complex needs, including individuals who are digitally excluded or lack confidence in dealing with HMRC directly.

By increasing funding, HMRC is reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that these customers can access free, independent advice and build the skills and confidence needed to manage their tax affairs, supporting the wider objective that no one is left behind.

HM Revenue and Customs has not made a specific estimate of the savings to the public purse arising from the work of organisations funded under the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme.

However, the programme delivers value for money by supporting customers to get their tax affairs right, improving compliance, helping ensure the correct amount of tax is paid, and that individuals receive the entitlements to which they are entitled.

Evidence from the current programme demonstrates that funded organisations play an important role in correcting tax liabilities and supporting customers with complex needs, contributing to wider system efficiency.

HM Revenue and Customs has not made a specific estimate of the proportion of customers supported through the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme who subsequently become self-sufficient in managing their tax affairs.

However, one of the key principles of the programme is to build customers’ capability and confidence over time, enabling them to engage directly with HMRC and manage their tax affairs independently in future.

HM Revenue and Customs has designed the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Programme to ensure as wide geographical coverage across the United Kingdom as possible and to ensure appropriate access to support across the United Kingdom, including for customers in Essex.

Organisations are selected through open competition and chosen from a range of regional, UK wide, and devolved nation specific organisations to maximise coverage across the UK. However, organisations are selected based on the merits and quality of their application, rather than their geographical location.

Funded organisations deliver services on both a national and regional basis, including across the devolved nations, ensuring that support is available to customers regardless of location.

This approach reflects HMRC’s assessment that a mixed model of UK-wide and regionally delivered provision is effective in reaching customers who need extra help, including those who may otherwise find it difficult to engage with HMRC directly.

Between April 2024 and March 2026, over 85,000 customers received assistance through organisations funded by HM Revenue and Customs’ Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme. This breaks down to about 42,000 for 2024-25 and 43,000 for 2025-26.

Based on current delivery assumptions, the programme is expected to support around 40-45,000 customers per year. As funding for the 2027–30 programme has been doubled, HMRC expects this increased investment to enable a significant expansion in the number of customers supported.

The performance measures for the 2027–30 Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Programme are aligned with the Cabinet Office Grants Functional Standard and minimum requirements set by the Centre of Excellence for Grants Management.

Performance will be assessed against a range of key outcomes, including the types of support provided to customers, the nature of queries handled, and the extent to which customers have sought or received support through other channels. Participating organisations also provide information on customer demographics and the characteristics of those supported.

Monitoring requirements are designed to be proportionate to the size and value of each grant, with consistent assessment applied across all funded organisations to ensure transparency and value for money.

The HM Revenue and Customs Grant Funding programme is designed to build customers’ capability and confidence over time, enabling them to engage directly with HMRC and manage their tax affairs independently in future.

However, there is also recognition that for a small proportion of customers with particular needs, the holistic approach and specialist service provided by the VCS organisations may be an ongoing need. In tandem with this, HMRC will continue to improve its services to make them as accessible as possible to all customers.

The design principles for the 2027–30 programme have been strengthened to align with HMRC’s Transformation Roadmap and anticipated areas of need, including the rollout of Making Tax Digital for ITSA, and HMRC’s focus on improving compliance. This ensures that support is targeted at those most likely to benefit and supports longer-term self-sufficiency.

HM Revenue and Customs increased funding for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Grant Funding Scheme to strengthen support for customers who need extra help engaging with the tax system.

The increase reflects Departmental recognition of the successes of the existing scheme, the increasing customer base and the importance of providing additional support as HMRC modernises and expands its digital services, which can present challenges for some customers.

VCS organisations play a key role in helping those with complex needs, including individuals who are digitally excluded or lack confidence in dealing with HMRC directly.

By increasing funding, HMRC is reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that these customers can access free, independent advice and build the skills and confidence needed to manage their tax affairs, supporting the wider objective that no one is left behind.

HM Revenue and Customs has not made a specific estimate of the savings to the public purse arising from the work of organisations funded under the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme.

However, the programme delivers value for money by supporting customers to get their tax affairs right, improving compliance, helping ensure the correct amount of tax is paid, and that individuals receive the entitlements to which they are entitled.

Evidence from the current programme demonstrates that funded organisations play an important role in correcting tax liabilities and supporting customers with complex needs, contributing to wider system efficiency.

HM Revenue and Customs has not made a specific estimate of the proportion of customers supported through the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme who subsequently become self-sufficient in managing their tax affairs.

However, one of the key principles of the programme is to build customers’ capability and confidence over time, enabling them to engage directly with HMRC and manage their tax affairs independently in future.

HM Revenue and Customs has designed the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Programme to ensure as wide geographical coverage across the United Kingdom as possible and to ensure appropriate access to support across the United Kingdom, including for customers in Essex.

Organisations are selected through open competition and chosen from a range of regional, UK wide, and devolved nation specific organisations to maximise coverage across the UK. However, organisations are selected based on the merits and quality of their application, rather than their geographical location.

Funded organisations deliver services on both a national and regional basis, including across the devolved nations, ensuring that support is available to customers regardless of location.

This approach reflects HMRC’s assessment that a mixed model of UK-wide and regionally delivered provision is effective in reaching customers who need extra help, including those who may otherwise find it difficult to engage with HMRC directly.

Between April 2024 and March 2026, over 85,000 customers received assistance through organisations funded by HM Revenue and Customs’ Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme. This breaks down to about 42,000 for 2024-25 and 43,000 for 2025-26.

Based on current delivery assumptions, the programme is expected to support around 40-45,000 customers per year. As funding for the 2027–30 programme has been doubled, HMRC expects this increased investment to enable a significant expansion in the number of customers supported.

The performance measures for the 2027–30 Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Programme are aligned with the Cabinet Office Grants Functional Standard and minimum requirements set by the Centre of Excellence for Grants Management.

Performance will be assessed against a range of key outcomes, including the types of support provided to customers, the nature of queries handled, and the extent to which customers have sought or received support through other channels. Participating organisations also provide information on customer demographics and the characteristics of those supported.

Monitoring requirements are designed to be proportionate to the size and value of each grant, with consistent assessment applied across all funded organisations to ensure transparency and value for money.

The HM Revenue and Customs Grant Funding programme is designed to build customers’ capability and confidence over time, enabling them to engage directly with HMRC and manage their tax affairs independently in future.

However, there is also recognition that for a small proportion of customers with particular needs, the holistic approach and specialist service provided by the VCS organisations may be an ongoing need. In tandem with this, HMRC will continue to improve its services to make them as accessible as possible to all customers.

The design principles for the 2027–30 programme have been strengthened to align with HMRC’s Transformation Roadmap and anticipated areas of need, including the rollout of Making Tax Digital for ITSA, and HMRC’s focus on improving compliance. This ensures that support is targeted at those most likely to benefit and supports longer-term self-sufficiency.

HM Revenue and Customs increased funding for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Grant Funding Scheme to strengthen support for customers who need extra help engaging with the tax system.

The increase reflects Departmental recognition of the successes of the existing scheme, the increasing customer base and the importance of providing additional support as HMRC modernises and expands its digital services, which can present challenges for some customers.

VCS organisations play a key role in helping those with complex needs, including individuals who are digitally excluded or lack confidence in dealing with HMRC directly.

By increasing funding, HMRC is reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that these customers can access free, independent advice and build the skills and confidence needed to manage their tax affairs, supporting the wider objective that no one is left behind.

HM Revenue and Customs has not made a specific estimate of the savings to the public purse arising from the work of organisations funded under the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme.

However, the programme delivers value for money by supporting customers to get their tax affairs right, improving compliance, helping ensure the correct amount of tax is paid, and that individuals receive the entitlements to which they are entitled.

Evidence from the current programme demonstrates that funded organisations play an important role in correcting tax liabilities and supporting customers with complex needs, contributing to wider system efficiency.

HM Revenue and Customs has not made a specific estimate of the proportion of customers supported through the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme who subsequently become self-sufficient in managing their tax affairs.

However, one of the key principles of the programme is to build customers’ capability and confidence over time, enabling them to engage directly with HMRC and manage their tax affairs independently in future.

HM Revenue and Customs has designed the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Programme to ensure as wide geographical coverage across the United Kingdom as possible and to ensure appropriate access to support across the United Kingdom, including for customers in Essex.

Organisations are selected through open competition and chosen from a range of regional, UK wide, and devolved nation specific organisations to maximise coverage across the UK. However, organisations are selected based on the merits and quality of their application, rather than their geographical location.

Funded organisations deliver services on both a national and regional basis, including across the devolved nations, ensuring that support is available to customers regardless of location.

This approach reflects HMRC’s assessment that a mixed model of UK-wide and regionally delivered provision is effective in reaching customers who need extra help, including those who may otherwise find it difficult to engage with HMRC directly.

Between April 2024 and March 2026, over 85,000 customers received assistance through organisations funded by HM Revenue and Customs’ Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme. This breaks down to about 42,000 for 2024-25 and 43,000 for 2025-26.

Based on current delivery assumptions, the programme is expected to support around 40-45,000 customers per year. As funding for the 2027–30 programme has been doubled, HMRC expects this increased investment to enable a significant expansion in the number of customers supported.

The performance measures for the 2027–30 Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Programme are aligned with the Cabinet Office Grants Functional Standard and minimum requirements set by the Centre of Excellence for Grants Management.

Performance will be assessed against a range of key outcomes, including the types of support provided to customers, the nature of queries handled, and the extent to which customers have sought or received support through other channels. Participating organisations also provide information on customer demographics and the characteristics of those supported.

Monitoring requirements are designed to be proportionate to the size and value of each grant, with consistent assessment applied across all funded organisations to ensure transparency and value for money.

The HM Revenue and Customs Grant Funding programme is designed to build customers’ capability and confidence over time, enabling them to engage directly with HMRC and manage their tax affairs independently in future.

However, there is also recognition that for a small proportion of customers with particular needs, the holistic approach and specialist service provided by the VCS organisations may be an ongoing need. In tandem with this, HMRC will continue to improve its services to make them as accessible as possible to all customers.

The design principles for the 2027–30 programme have been strengthened to align with HMRC’s Transformation Roadmap and anticipated areas of need, including the rollout of Making Tax Digital for ITSA, and HMRC’s focus on improving compliance. This ensures that support is targeted at those most likely to benefit and supports longer-term self-sufficiency.

HM Revenue and Customs increased funding for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Grant Funding Scheme to strengthen support for customers who need extra help engaging with the tax system.

The increase reflects Departmental recognition of the successes of the existing scheme, the increasing customer base and the importance of providing additional support as HMRC modernises and expands its digital services, which can present challenges for some customers.

VCS organisations play a key role in helping those with complex needs, including individuals who are digitally excluded or lack confidence in dealing with HMRC directly.

By increasing funding, HMRC is reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that these customers can access free, independent advice and build the skills and confidence needed to manage their tax affairs, supporting the wider objective that no one is left behind.

HM Revenue and Customs has not made a specific estimate of the savings to the public purse arising from the work of organisations funded under the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme.

However, the programme delivers value for money by supporting customers to get their tax affairs right, improving compliance, helping ensure the correct amount of tax is paid, and that individuals receive the entitlements to which they are entitled.

Evidence from the current programme demonstrates that funded organisations play an important role in correcting tax liabilities and supporting customers with complex needs, contributing to wider system efficiency.

HM Revenue and Customs has not made a specific estimate of the proportion of customers supported through the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme who subsequently become self-sufficient in managing their tax affairs.

However, one of the key principles of the programme is to build customers’ capability and confidence over time, enabling them to engage directly with HMRC and manage their tax affairs independently in future.

HM Revenue and Customs has designed the Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Programme to ensure as wide geographical coverage across the United Kingdom as possible and to ensure appropriate access to support across the United Kingdom, including for customers in Essex.

Organisations are selected through open competition and chosen from a range of regional, UK wide, and devolved nation specific organisations to maximise coverage across the UK. However, organisations are selected based on the merits and quality of their application, rather than their geographical location.

Funded organisations deliver services on both a national and regional basis, including across the devolved nations, ensuring that support is available to customers regardless of location.

This approach reflects HMRC’s assessment that a mixed model of UK-wide and regionally delivered provision is effective in reaching customers who need extra help, including those who may otherwise find it difficult to engage with HMRC directly.

Between April 2024 and March 2026, over 85,000 customers received assistance through organisations funded by HM Revenue and Customs’ Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme. This breaks down to about 42,000 for 2024-25 and 43,000 for 2025-26.

Based on current delivery assumptions, the programme is expected to support around 40-45,000 customers per year. As funding for the 2027–30 programme has been doubled, HMRC expects this increased investment to enable a significant expansion in the number of customers supported.

The performance measures for the 2027–30 Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Programme are aligned with the Cabinet Office Grants Functional Standard and minimum requirements set by the Centre of Excellence for Grants Management.

Performance will be assessed against a range of key outcomes, including the types of support provided to customers, the nature of queries handled, and the extent to which customers have sought or received support through other channels. Participating organisations also provide information on customer demographics and the characteristics of those supported.

Monitoring requirements are designed to be proportionate to the size and value of each grant, with consistent assessment applied across all funded organisations to ensure transparency and value for money.

The Government recognises the important role that the voluntary and community sector plays in supporting people experiencing mental health difficulties, including following significant life events such as family breakdown or separation. We are committed to working closely with stakeholders across the system, and our forthcoming mental health strategy will look beyond the National Health Service to consider the role of employers, communities, and the voluntary sector in supporting people’s mental health.

More broadly, we are taking a ‘whole of society’ approach to mental health, recognising that support is needed in a range of settings and that voluntary organisations can play a key role in providing practical, community‑based support and addressing wider determinants such as housing and employment.

In addition, our neighbourhood health approach is designed to connect people to a wider range of support beyond NHS services, including voluntary and community sector provision, to ensure individuals, including fathers experiencing distress following relationship breakdown, can access timely and appropriate help close to home.

On 19 November 2025, we published England’s first ever Men’s Health Strategy. The strategy includes targeted actions for boys and young men on loneliness and social connections, for middle-aged men on suicide prevention, and for older men on alcohol and drug related cardiovascular disease deaths. We also recognise fatherhood as a critical life stage. We are ensuring fathers are included in the design and delivery of services through Best Start Family Hubs and Healthy Babies and by strengthening the evidence on mental health of fathers during the perinatal period.

The Government recognises the important role that voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations play in supporting men’s mental health and helping to reduce stigma around mental ill health and help-seeking.

The Government continues to work with a wide range of partners, including the VCSE sector, to improve mental health outcomes and tackle the stigma that can prevent men from seeking support when they need it.

The Government is also taking wider action to support men’s mental health through the forthcoming Men’s Health Strategy, which seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of men across England, including by tackling men’s mental health. This includes a landmark partnership with the Premier League to improve health literacy and engagement around mental health and suicide prevention, alongside work with employers to pilot approaches to supporting men’s mental health in the workplace.

The Suicide Prevention Strategy for England 2023–2028 highlights the importance of reducing stigma surrounding suicide and aims to destigmatise help-seeking among those at risk. The strategy recognises middle-aged men as a priority group for action, reflecting the higher rates of suicide in this population.