Local Government

The vast majority of the relationships that the voluntary and community sector has with government happens at the local level and it is crucial that this relationship is as effective as possible. This section draws together NCVO's work in this area. To discuss our work on Local Government please email Daniel Fluskey or telephone 020 7520 2433

What's new

Best practice guidance for local authorities and the VCS

Back in March 2011, NCVO, NAVCA and ACEVO wrote to local authorities asking them for their views on how local authorities and the voluntary sector can work best together in the current economic climate. We received responses from just over a quarter of England's district and county councils and these have formed the basis for our guidance on how all councils can do their bit to alleviate the strain on the sector by putting resources in place to help affected organisations adapt to changes to their funding. The guidance makes a series of recommendations and includes a number of case studies of good practice for reference.

Read the best practice guidance (PDF, 168 KB) from October 2011
Read the joint letter to local authorities from March 2011

Helping you to understand the new Best Value Guidance

Earlier in September, the Department for Communities and Local Government published guidance for all local authorities in how they should work with voluntary and community groups.

But what does it mean if you are funded by your local authority, what difference might it make? Melanie Carter, a partner at Bates Wells & Braithwaite, has written this short commentary on what the Best Value guidance is, its legal status, and how it might have an impact on any decision to cut funding.

Read the Best Value guidance sheet

Concerns with the Community Right to Buy proposal

NCVO and 8 other sector bodies have written to Eric Pickles MP, Communities Secretary, to voice our shared concerns around reducing the moratorium period from six months to three.

Read the letter (160KB)

Best Value: new draft statutory guidance

Our joint response with ACEVO and NAVCA (pdf 222kb)

Localism Bill: Community empowerment consultation briefings

The Decentralisation and Localism Bill includes new rights designed to empower local communities to be able to challenge the running of public services and take over buildings and land. Our briefings to members explain what these consultations are, puts forward our initial response, and asks for your views on how the rights can best work for you.

Briefing on Community Right to Buy consultation (PDF 123KB)
Briefing on Community Right to Challenge consultation (PDF 113KB)

NCVO responded to both consultations on 3 May 2011.

Download our response to the Right to Challenge consultation (PDF 72KB)
Download our response to the Right to Buy consultation (PDF 109KB)

Decentralisation and Localism

In December 2010 the Government introduced the Decentralisation and Localism Bill. The proposals in the Bill are designed to enable a significant shift of power from central government to local government and communities. This briefing focuses on the relevant areas most likely to impact on our members and the voluntary and community sector.

Decentralisation and Localism Bill briefing (PDF 130KB)

We will be actively seeking the views of our members on the Bill. If you would like to discuss our work in this area please email Daniel Fluskey.

Response to the Green Paper on the Future of Commissioning

NCVO has responded to the Cabinet Office Green Paper on the future of commissioning. We will be submitting more detailed evidence to the forthcoming Public Services White Paper in the New Year and will be seeking views from members as part of that process.

Download the response (PDF 78KB)

Local elections and campaigning

With local government elections, charities are asking themselves how they are affected by electoral and charity law rules on political activities. Our page on Charities, Campaigning and Elections includes a number of resources that provide guidance and information to charities on what activities are legitimate to undertake.

Visit also our Campaigning and Influencing Forum or join in our online discussion about Campaigning in the England local elections.