AN MP is seeking the views of more than 70 charities over the future of the voluntary and community sector following a report predicting a £4.6bn funding gap over the next five years.

Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson is conducting a survey of charities and community groups across his County Durham constituency to gather evidence of the increased demand and funding pressures they face.

It follows a report published by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) last week which has identified a reduction in Government funding to the sector over the last five years in most parts of the country.

The report, part of NCVO’s Financial Sustainability Review of the Voluntary Sector, says many charities have reached a “capacity crunch” in terms of demand, made worse by staff cuts.

It argues this is also affecting the ability of charities to secure funding and develop new income streams, and forecasts a £4.6bn shortfall if the sector maintains it current spending power.

A report by Northern Rock Foundation, Third Sector Trends, meanwhile, has revealed charities and community organisations located in the poorest areas of the North-East are more than four times as likely to have lost significant levels income in the last two years (30 per cent) compared with the richest areas (seven per cent).

Mr Wilson hopes to gain a better understanding of the situation in County Durham and respond to NVCO’s call for evidence.

“I am keen to look at how I can support the sector better,” he said. “It has never been more important to have people on the ground in our communities, providing activities and supporting those in need.

“We must therefore do all we can to protect these organisations and ensure they find sustainable ways of continuing the vital services they provide.”

The Labour MP has sent the survey to more than 70 charities, ranging from large organisations to community groups such as Newton Aycliffe Youth and Community Centre.

Chairman Vince Crosby said: “I have been part of the voluntary sector for more than 40 years and in that in that time it has become much harder to secure funding.

“In the main we are now -self funded but funding is still an issue.

“Our building is owned by Durham County Council and local authorities are facing cuts in these times of austerity. This then put more pressure on the voluntary sector.”