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DCLG urges councils to give a "fair deal" to the VCS

2 September 2011

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has published guidance to local authorities on how to protect voluntary and community groups from disproportionate cuts to their funding.

It follows warnings from Mr Pickles that councils should look to give greater support for local groups that do so much for some of the most vulnerable in their communities.

Mr Pickles has sought to cut 'red tape' to make it easier and more efficient for councils to meet the needs of their residents. He has scrapped 56 pages of statutory guidance on local priorities, and replaced it by just one page on how to achieve 'Best Value' in their areas. This includes a requirement to consult with those using, or likely to use, a local service, which should include VCS organisations.

It sets out that councils should not pass on larger reductions to their local voluntary and community sectors and small businesses than they take on themselves. In particular:

► those councils looking to reduce or end funding, or any other support to one of these organisations should give at least three months' notice of the actual reduction to both the organisation involved and the users of the service they provide

► councils should involve and discuss their plans with the organisation and local service users as early as possible before making any final decisions on the future of the service

► councils should give organisations, local service users and the wider community the opportunity to offer options for reshaping and reducing the costs of the services provided.

In the new streamlined statutory guidance Mr Pickles has also clarified that there is no requirement for councils to undertake diversity questionnaires of their residents or their suppliers.