Leeds Third Sector Cost Pressures Survey Results – October 2025
The latest Cost Pressures Survey results are now available.
This report highlights the financial and workforce challenges facing third sector organisations in Leeds, alongside examples of how groups are adapting and working together to stay resilient.
Previous surveys and the 2022–2024 summary are also available on the Forum Central Cost-of-Living and Cost Pressures page.
Summary
The Leeds Third Sector Cost Pressures Survey gathers information on the financial pressures facing third sector organisations, and how these pressures affect staff, services and organisational viability.
The October 2025 survey ran between 2 September and 3 October 2025 and received 77 responses. While financial strain remains high, some stabilisation is visible compared with earlier in the year. Staffing challenges and reduced service capacity continue to be significant concerns.
Key Messages
- Financial strain persists, though fewer organisations report major deterioration than in April 2025.
- Over 60% of organisations have lost or are at risk of losing staff.
- Nearly half (47.3%) say their financial position has deteriorated compared to last year.
- Waiting lists remain high, with 54.1% either unable to accept new users or operating a waiting list.
- The most common risks are:
- Funding sustainability (32%)
- Staffing costs (26%)
- Workforce mental health (18%)
These findings give a snapshot of the sector’s resilience and ongoing challenges. They should be considered alongside wider intelligence such as the State of the Sector report.
Key Data Points
Staff reduction – 60.2% have already lost staff or are at risk of doing so (slight improvement from 63.5% in April).
Service reduction – 74% have reduced or closed services, or are at risk of doing so.
Organisation closure – 35.1% see closure as a current or potential risk.
Financial position – 47.3% report deterioration (down from 63.5% in April); 22.1% report improvement.
Waiting lists – 54.1% are unable to accept new users or are operating waiting lists.
Top risks – Funding sustainability, staffing costs, and workforce mental health.
Context
Forum Central has run this survey since September 2022 to track how financial pressures affect Leeds’ third sector. It moved from a quarterly to six-monthly format in 2024.
The findings offer an indicative snapshot of the financial pressures facing third sector organisations in Leeds. While not a full assessment of the sector’s financial health, they highlight key trends and challenges to inform partners and decision-makers across the city.
All previous reports can be found at this page.
