NCVO local government manifesto

News UK April 2009

 * NCVO sets out local government manifesto, April 24 topic

Working Together to Strengthen Local Communities outlines five key principles to strengthen relationships between voluntary and community organisations (VCO) and local councils.

In advance of the elections on 4 June, Stuart Etherington in a speech to the Association of Council Chief Executives, called all on all local authorities to:


 * Sign up to the Sustainable Communities Act 2008: Giving local people and communities a real opportunity to shape their future
 * Provide fair and sustainable funding for local voluntary and community groups: Good funding practice will maximise the contribution that VCOs can make
 * Respect and support the role of voluntary and community organisations as advocates and campaigners for their local community: Creating links between people and politics, ensuring that a range of voices can be heard
 * Work with voluntary and community organisations to ensure community assets are owned and managed in ways that benefit the community: Using assets to reinvigorate communities and provide a focus for action
 * Demonstrate commitment to their local voluntary and community sector through the operation of their local compact: A Compact way of working achieves better outcomes for local people

Quotes
“Voluntary and community organisations share the same objective as local government: to improve the lives of local communities and local people. We can only achieve this if we work effectively together. In the current economic climate – with increased demand for many local services at the same time that financial resources are decreasing – it is even more important that we work together to achieve better outcomes for local people and build stronger, more resilient communities.” Stuart Etherington, CEO, NCVO

References