NAVCA's response to the Compact consultation

NAVCA has responded to the Commission for the Compact's recent consultation on the future of the Compact. The full response can be viewed by following the link below:

Debating the Future of the Compact : NAVCA response to the discussion paper issued by the Commission for the Compact
(Word, 84 KB).

Our response was informed by the views of our members. Thank you to everyone who took time to let us have your views.

The main points of NAVCA's response are:

  • We believe that the Commission for the Compact should have statutory powers rather than the Compact itself being statutory. Our view is that this will be more beneficial for local third sector groups.
  • We call for proper research into the impact of the Compact, to enable evidence-based assessment of local compacts.
  • Local authorities and PCTs should be required to sign a local Compact that meets minimum standards.
  • We would like to see adherence to the Compact included as part of the new Comprehensive Area Assessments to encourage greater observance of the principles the Compact enshrines.
  • The Commission for the Compact should report annually to Parliament.
  • The Compact should be strengthened by giving the Commission strong powers of investigation and the ability to seek remedies for non-compliance.
  • The Compact should be extended to cover commissioning and procurement.