There are many benefits for the public sector both short and long term. These include:
Being participants in a constructive approach to social and economic problems, in partnership with the private sector and “not for profit” organisations.
Less empty units in shopping centres and thus more local jobs and more local spend.
A volunteer programme which works as a pathway to employment will in due course reduce the number of people claiming benefits.
More social housing will ease the pressure on local authorities and should in due course help reduce homelessness.