Hard times

Nov 12 2008 by Andrew Baldwin, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THE closure of Age Concern Kirklees offices in Huddersfield town centre is dramatic proof that the economic downturn is hitting charities.

Seventy people will lose their jobs in the weeks before Christmas after bosses said the office is no longer viable because of a drop in income.

Many good causes fear they will be squeezed by reductions in both public and private money and will have to cut back on their activities.

Smaller charities may not even make it through.

Many people will undoubtedly be tempted to scale back on giving during the financial crisis.

The irony is, of course, that these charities are the very ones we turn to in times of need and will face increasing demands on their services.