Policy
30 June, 2008
Majority of Local Authorities prioritise the third sector in LAA
62% choose one of the two third sector indicators
The Cabinet Office has announced today that almost two thirds of Local Authorities (LAs) have decided that 'having a vibrant and effective third sector' will be a priority for them over the next three years.
Under a new system, introduced this year, all top tier local authority areas will be measured on their performance against 198 new National Indicators (NIs), two of which focus on the third sector. In addition, each area prioritises 35 NIs that will particularly meet local needs, which will be the targets that sit at the heart of each area's Local Area Agreement (LAA).
Of the 150 of England's top tier LAs - 93 or 62% of them have chosen to prioritise one of the two third sector indicators:
- NI6 - participation in regular volunteering; and
- NI7 - creating an environment for a thriving third sector.
Commenting on the news, Phil Hope, Third Sector Minister said -
'This is a defining moment for the third sector and the Government's work to help it thrive. I'm convinced that more volunteers and a genuine partnership between government and the third sector will strengthen communities and bring real improvements to all our lives, especially for the most disadvantaged.'
Stuart Everington, Chief Executive of NCVO added that -
'Local authorities must recognise the crucial role our sector plays in supporting and strengthening civil society. The relationship between voluntary and community organisations and local government is key to creating a thriving sector.
I am pleased that almost two-thirds of all local agreements in England will be including a national indicator about the sector. I look forward to seeing more progress being made against these measures. We will continue to work closely with DCLG and OTS and learn from their findings.'
For more information, see the Cabinet office press release Vulnerable people to benefit as majority of local councils make third sector a top priority.
See also the related rightsnet policy news stories -
- MoJ announce launch of Third Sector Strategy: 'To create an environment where the third sector can thrive' (6 June, 2008)
- New package of measures announced for Local Area Agreements : 'Genuine solutions that meet local people's concerns' (20 November, 2007)
- Local area agreement toolkit: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister publication (26 April, 2006)
- Local authorities sign off Round Two Local Area Agreements: 15 London boroughs included (5 April, 2006)
