Inconsistent council work with the children and young people's voluntary and community sector (VCS) is leading to a ‘postcode lottery' in children's services. The warning came in a comprehensive review commissioned by VCS Engage, a DCSF-funded programme designed to strengthen the role of voluntary and community groups in the Every child matters agenda. Engagement relies heavily on individual local authorities. Where there is a strong local VCS infrastructure, there is more effective engagement with the local authority. However, the review found councils involve groups in initial stages of producing the plan, but participation drops off as the plan progresses. ‘The findings reveal a bleak picture,' said Kevin Curley, chief executive of the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA). Romilly Rogers, LGA policy consultant, said many councils were already ‘working well' with their local third sector. ‘We know there is still more to do in this area, and we are working with our members to support them in sharing good practice and demonstrating the value of including the third sector in the whole commissioning cycle,' she added. The full report can be found at www.vcsengage.org.uk.
