Sector leaders meet with PM to share ideas on public services
13th January 2011
Charity leaders met with the Prime Minister and other senior Government Ministers yesterday afternoon (Wednesday) to discuss the sector's role in the transformation of public services.
The meeting gave civil society representatives the chance to share with ministers their experiences of public service delivery, concerns about the impact of cuts, and suggest solutions and ideas for further reform. Attendees were drawn from our Public Service Delivery Network.
Delegates gave the Prime Minister examples where local authorities are cutting inappropriately or disproportionately, and where VAT on shared services is causing problems for the sector. They also discussed the potential impact that forthcoming changes to NHS commissioning will have on civil society organisations.
The meeting covered the sector's need for capital, especially in the context of public services which will be contracted on the basis of Payment By Results. Delegates also raised the importance of commissioning regimes recognising the additional costs of providing services to people with complex needs.
Sir Stuart Etherington, our Chief Executive, said:
"This meeting let our members communicate directly to the Prime Minister and other government representatives the challenges and opportunities they face. The delivery and reform of public services is at the heart of the Big Society vision, so sharing examples of good and bad practice gives a valuable steer on how to ensure the sector is supported to play a full part in this. We hope that the Government will continue to listen to and act on the sector's views in the months ahead."
Following the meeting, the Prime Minister has asked us to share examples of good and bad practice around funding cuts and VAT, and this is where we need your help. Please get in touch if you have any examples to share – they will help to give Government a valuable steer on what support the sector needs in the months ahead.
VAT
Irrecoverable VAT – including VAT charged when voluntary organisations share services (like back office functions) can be a significant barrier. We need you to tell us about your experiences – and particularly how shared services VAT has acted as a barrier to collaborative working. Please get in touch with our Senior Policy Officer, James Allen, if you can help, at james.allen@ncvo-vol.org.uk.
Spending Cuts
We are also looking for examples of where civil society organisations are experiencing disproportionate or inappropriate local authority spending cuts. This will really help us to gather and communicate intelligence on the scale of the challenges ahead. If it’s happening in your area, please take a few minutes to fill out our online survey, or alternatively you can email your thoughts to almanac@ncvo-vol.org.uk
