Local authority work with the third sector is not being hampered, according to the Cabinet Office. Government officials played down claims by the National Audit Office that delivery of health, education and social care services by charities, not-for-profit or voluntary groups was being undermined by a lack of co-ordination between government bodies. The report (The MJ, 9 August) called for councils to improve the way they commissioned services as a way forward. Prime minister Gordon Brown wants to see more third sector groups involved, as he believes it provides an opportunity to create services which are more responsive to local needs. The Cabinet Office claimed it was aware of the issues around improved working between authorities and the sector. A spokesman told The MJ: ‘The report is based on evidence from some time ago and things have moved on since then. We were aware early on about these issues. As a result, we believe the Government has already gone some way towards addressing these concerns.'
