Support and Funding News: 11/02/2010
Councils Urged To Consider Third Sector Bids For Service Delivery
The Communities Secretary has advised council leaders not to overlook the third sector when improving public service delivery.
John Denham was addressing a meeting of council leaders when he urged them to consider the skills and expertise of third sector organisations to deliver local services.
Third sector organisations bidding to deliver local services are feared to lack the expertise and size to win council contracts.
Mr Denham said:
“We know services are best when they are delivered locally because they really reach into the community and it is often third sector that is closest to the community. I have a real concern that the third sector is not getting the opportunity to play its full part. They must have an equal chance to show what extra they can do differently.
“Councils and companies are short changing their communities socially if they don’t look beyond the price tag to deliver the current services at then lowest possible cost and consider the many additional benefits third sector providers can bring such as jobs for the workless that can save even more money in the long run.”
The Government has also revealed a new community enterprise strategic framework helping groups to launch new social enterprises.
The framework will offer support and skills training to strengthen community enterprises, helping them build their capacity to bid for public sector contracts.
To view the framework click here (opens in new window)
Source: Department of Communities and Local Government, 11/02/2010
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