But aside from leaving individuals with large responsibilities there are other problems. The voluntary sector is by its nature insecure. It is reliant on volunteers to put in the time and money. If that time and money is not forthcoming, then the charity folds. Even voluntary services which receive State donations are not safe.
Competition is also a problem that charities have to deal with.
People have only so much to give, so charities have to compete with each other for donations. Since the introduction of the National Lottery, donations to charities have decreased. And the National Lottery, which gives nearly 100 million to various causes, has recently expressed fears that the new British Lottery will take away some of its customers in Northern Ireland. Loss of customers means less money to the charities which are dependent on its handouts. This has direct results.