Localism reading list

NCVO publications

Changing governance

This publication explores how voluntary organisations in the UK and other countries are experiencing the shift from government to governance.This shift has led to the emergence of new decision-making arenas which could ultimately lead to greater democratic accountability and improved policy-making.

This report is a summary of the presentations and discussions at an NCVO / NGPA seminar which took place in October 2008.

Download Changing Governance (PDF, 524 KB)

Future Focus 4: How is local democracy changing?

This pocket guide explores the likely changes to where power will lie locally and how decisions will be made in our communities over the next five years.

Published 2008.

Download Future Focus 4 (PDF, 2.58 MB)   

A broader parish: working together, improving rural communities 

This policy and research report looks at community governance and explores the relationships between parish councils, voluntary and community organisations, and individuals in rural areas. 

Published 2006.

• Download the full report: A broader parish (PDF, 920 KB)
• Download the executive summary: A broader parish (PDF, 707 KB)

How voluntary and community organisations can help transform the local relationship

This report suggests what needs to be done to ensure that local government and the voluntary sector can work together more effectively to achieve the best outcomes for local people.

Published 2006.

Dpwnload How voluntary and community organisations can help transform the local relationship (PDF, 407 KB)

Policy documents

Understanding Best Value Guidance

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) published guidance in September 2011 for all local authorities in how they should work with voluntary and community groups. Together with NAVCA, Locality, and Volunteering England we have produced a briefing on the Best Value Guidance, including examples and suggestions on how organisaitons can use it.

Published 2011.

• Download our briefing on Best Value Guidance and how to use it (PDF, 396 KB)
• Read our joint response with ACEVO and NAVCA to the draft Best Value Guidance, June 2011 (PDF, 222 KB)

The legal status of Best Value Guidance

Melanie Carter, a partner at Bates Wells & Braithwaite, has written a short commentary on how the guidance might have an impact on any decision to cut funding.

Published 2011.

Read about the legal status of Best Value guidance (PDF, 57 KB)

Good practice guidance for local authorities and the voluntary sector

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.

These have formed the basis for our guidance on how all councils can 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 good practice case studies.

Published 2011.

Read the good practice guidance (PDF, 168 KB)

Localism Bill: briefings on community empowerment consultation

The Decentralisation and Localism Bill included 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, put forward our initial response, and ask for your views on how the rights can best work for you.

Published March 2011.

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

Localism Bill: responses to community empowerment consultation

NCVO responded to the Community Right to Buy and Right to Challenge consultations in May 2011. 

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

Decentralisation and Localism Bill: policy briefing

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 sector.

Published 2010.

Decentralisation and Localism Bill briefing (PDF, 130 KB)