Councils and charities are stronger together

27/06/2012

Joe Irvin, NAVCA’s Chief Executive spoke on Tuesday, 26 June at the LGA annual conference being held at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. Joe addressed a workshop entitled, ‘In it together for communities: councils and the voluntary and community sector’. He told delegates that charities can help councils to make the money they spend go further and boost local economies. However, Joe also gave a warning to councils that charities should not be seen as just service providers. He said that they have a campaigning role which councils should embrace as it can improve policy.

Joe Irvin, Chief Executive of NAVCA, said,

“In tough economic times local councils should make the most of what business, the voluntary sector and local authorities can achieve working together to boost their local economy, jobs and skills. Charities can make each pound of public money go further, as well as enhancing social value. And local voluntary groups, social enterprises and SMEs are more likely to keep money earned in the locality, so can be vital to boosting 'micro-enterprise'. We are definitely stronger together than we are apart.”

“But charities should not be seen as simply alternative providers of public services. They need to speak out for their communities, especially the most disadvantaged. That makes for better policy for councils, more responsive provision for the community and keeps charities true to their aims.”