The results of NAVCA's survey of its members about local area
agreements (LAAs) show local third sector organisations are
generally positive about LAAs but believe a lot more needs to be
done if the third sector is to be allowed to become fully engaged.
However, a sizable minority believed their LAAs had not benefited
the third sector.
Neil Cleeveley, Policy and Communications
Director at NAVCA and author of the report said:
"Our survey shows that LAAs
are improving relationships between public bodies and the third
sector. In most places LAAs are good for the local third sector and
are successfully focusing on local needs. However, public bodies
can still be reluctant to fully involve the third sector and we
still need a cultural change that will allow full third sector
involvement in LAAs.
"The survey also shows third sector groups'
involvement is being severely restricted by a lack of resources. If
it is not resourced, third sector organisations cannot give the
commitment to LAAs they would like, as involvement in LAAs is at
the expense of other work supporting local groups."
3 July 2009