Reducing Unnecessary Bureaucracy

NAVCA recognises that some rules and regulations are necessary and can often help the efficient running of organisations. However unnecesary bureaucracy can stifle voluntary and community action.

Red tape can be a state of mind, rather than a rule or law: sometimes it is not a particular regulation or piece of legislation that causes problems, but the processes or implementation that causes difficulties.

Red tape has also been increased by the trend of replacing grant funding by contracts. NAVCA established the Local Grants Forum to argue for the importance of grants for local organisations.

Cutting Red Tape

NAVCA contributed to Lord Hodgson's Red Tape Taskforce, arguing for proportionality, trust, simplicity, flexibility and making full use of the legislation that has been passed. We welcome the final report: Unshackling Good Neighbours and, in particular, its recognition of the importance of grants. It is important that the report's ideas are taken forward and NAVCA will be pressing for this to happen.

The report can also act as a useful tool for making a difference locally, as it challenges many of the myths and exposes poor practice. There are many case studies and practical examples that can be used to influence at a local level.

• Unshackling Good Neighbours: Final report of the Red Tape Taskforce (May 2011)
• NAVCA's response to the final report (May 2011)
• NAVCA's submission to the Taskforce (Jan 2011)
• NAVCA members' priorities for the Taskforce (Sep 2010)