By Jamie Hailstone Local government minister, Phil Woolas, has called on councils to work more closely with voluntary groups. Speaking at last week’s Future Services Network conference in London, Mr Woolas said: ‘It’s extremely important for local authorities to see partnership working with the third sector as the norm.’ He told The MJ this was part of the Government’s plans to roll out increased community powers for councils, and the third sector should play its part in shaping the community. The minister outlined plans to give voluntary groups three-year cash settlements to give more financial stability. ‘The annual bunfight is over,’ he added. He also announced that he would be chairing an engagement board to promote national relations between local government and voluntary groups. The North East regional centre of excellence has been appointed as lead centre on third sector issues and will develop a national programme on improving commissioning and procurement. Mr Woolas also said the Government would look at new areas for the voluntary sector to get involved with. A discussion paper will be published later this year which will look at possible involvement in neighbourhood and street scene services, leisure and public libraries. Sir Michael Lyons also called for a closer relationship between the two sectors at the conference. ‘Local government and the voluntary sector share a common root stock – a commitment to improving the social fabric – protecting the weak, and engaging people in the life and governance of their own communities,’ he said. ‘This needs to be strengthened and renewed if we are to rise to the challenges of greater devolution.’ The chairman of the LGA, Sir Sandy Bruce-Lockhart, said voluntary groups should be given more powers and long-term funding to help them deliver better services locally. j.hailstone@hgluk.com
