NCVO responds to Queen's Speech

Tackling Britain's budget deficit and returning the country to economic growth are to be the Liberal Conservative coalition government's priorities according to the first Queen's Speech of the new administration.

Her Majesty also said that there would be major overhauls for Britain's political system, welfare state, schools and police.

Prime Minister David Cameron hopes to bring 22 Bills before Parliament over the next 18 months.

Reflecting the compromise deal struck between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats the Queen said:

"My government's legislative programme will be based upon the principles of freedom, fairness and responsibility.

"The first priority is to reduce the deficit and restore economic growth."

Responding to today’s Queen's Speech Stuart Etherington, NCVO Chief Executive said:

"The Government has recognised that the voluntary and community sector must play an important role in realising our shared vision of the good society.  But our organisations will need to receive the right support and resources, if they are to play their full role in civil society and to deliver high quality, responsive public services.  

"Proposals to de-centralise decision making to local authorities and to rebalance the relationship between the citizen and the state are positive.  However, to genuinely empower local communities, we need to see a transformation in the relationship between local government and the sector, not just a transfer of powers to local statutory agencies.

"We believe that the right to campaign is essential to a healthy democracy and a vibrant civil society, which is why NCVO's manifesto called for the removal of restrictions on the right to protest peacefully.  We are encouraged by early signs on a new approach to civil liberties.

"Fairness must be at heart of the good society.  Plans to learn lessons from the financial crisis are necessary in seeking to re-build the UK's economy.  NCVO has called for universal access to financial services and for a new approach through the promotion of mutual and co-operative financial models."