16/08/2010 – Practical support for the Big Society
The last six years at Lasa has been a wonderful time for me and I am glad that I am leaving the organisation in very strong shape and in the extremely capable hands of Terry Stokes who takes over at the start of September. I am also looking forward to continuing to work in partnership with Lasa from my new position at Charities Evaluation Services.
Six years ago the New Labour Government was investing substantial sums into the infrastructure of the voluntary sector so as to try to create a level playing field for civil society organisations wishing to bid for commissions to run vital services. I know that some people were somewhat unsure about the purpose of ChangeUp and Capacitybuilders.
However our experience in London was that, really for the first time, we could discuss strategic issues for the sector with key statutory and government partners and develop appropriate responses to many of the needs identified. Given the complexities of London compared to any other UK city with its 33 different Local Authorities, with its hyper-diverse population and its extremes of wealth and poverty, this was a significant achievement and I am proud that Lasa played an important part in it.
We are now in a very different climate where the sector is being asked to take on even more responsibility for the provision of key services but without the support that might enable this to happen effectively. Massive cuts to funding from key agencies like London Councils, the health sector and the LDA as well as cuts to Local Authority funding for voluntary organisations could hinder, rather than help, the Government's plans for a "Big Society".
In my view, localism will not work unless it is underpinned by strong support from national infrastructure organisations like Lasa. It's the most efficient way for community groups to get the support that is vital to their success. And that support is needed even more now as resources are squeezed ever tighter.
Posted by Andy Gregg on 16/08/2010