Three-year contracts proposal gets warm reception

Finance | 18 Jan 2008

The proposal to introduce three-year contracts between local government and the third sector as outlined in the local government white paper, has been welcomed by the sector. The paper, launched by communities secretary Ruth Kelly, proposes to devolve more power and influence to citizens of local communities, enabling the third sector to help shape the communities they serve and design and deliver userfocused local services.

NCVO, NAVCA, acevo and the Local Government Association have voiced their support, with the message that this could be an historic move for relationships between local government and the third sector. Classic bugbears such as sustainable contract length have been addressed with 'a clear expectation of three-year grant funding in all cases except where that does not represent best value'.

NCH has embraced the proposed commitment to long-term funding, however, Elaine Peace, its director of services south, expressed concerns about the commissioning of services. She said: 'In order to truly deliver for local people the commissioning process must focus on outcomes for service users and not on bureaucratic processes, which stifle innovation and creativity.'

Directory: Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO) | National Association of Voluntary and Community Action | National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) | NCH

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