VCFSE Resources

Local government reorganisation and devolution will have real implications for the VCFSE sector. You can find a wide range of resources in this section, designed and written to support the VCFSE sector to be a key partner in these changes, understand the implications for your work, and know how you need to respond at each stage. New resources will be added regularly.

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What is devolution and how does it affect me?

Devolution is the transfer of powers from central government to new sub-regional authorities currently called combined authorities. Six new areas will have devolved strategic authorities from April 2026, with the remaining areas of England planned to have the new authorities by 2028-29. Here are seven reasons why this matters.

March 9, 2026

rural, local authorities, local infrastructure, VCFSE, VCS, VCSE, LGR, local government reorganisation, devolution

VCFSE

NAVCA and ACRE members

Download

Learning from previous local government reorganisation

There has been quite a bit of local government reorganisation (LGR) in the last 15 years. This resource draws on the experiences of NAVCA and ACRE members whose areas have recently undergone LGR from two tier councils to unitary authorities. This will offer some guidance on the process, what to expect and issues to look out for. It will not be comprehensive, and this resource will be updated as more learning is generated as the process progresses.

March 6, 2026

rural, local government reorganisation, LGR,VCS, VCSE, VCFSE

VCFSE

NAVCA and ACRE members

Local Authorities

Download

Revised DPP & LGR Timeline

Timeline for process of local government reorganisation and creation of six new devolved strategic authorities to April 2028

March 5, 2026

devolution, DPP

VCFSE

NAVCA and ACRE members

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VCFSE sector devolution manifesto - Cheshire and Warrington Infrastructure Partnership

NAVCA and ACRE members in Cheshire West, Cheshire East and Warrington have formed a partnership, Cheshire and Warrington Infrastructure Partnership (CWIP), which codeveloped a manifesto for the VCFSE sector. This shows how the VCFSE informs and influences devolution across 10 core themes.

March 5, 2026

rural, VCSE, VCS, neighbourhoods, devolution

VCFSE

NAVCA and ACRE members

Strategic Authorities

Download

What does the Voluntary Sector do?

What is the VC(F)SE sector, what does it mean, what does it look like and what does it do. This introductory explainer unpacks the voluntary, community, faith and social enterpirse sector and will help you understand what it looks like in your local area.

March 4, 2026

rural, local authorities, local infrastructure, VCFSE, VCS, VCSE, LGR, local government reorganisation, devolution

VCFSE

NAVCA and ACRE members

Strategic Authorities

Local Authorities

Download

Podcast: Navigating a section 114 notice

Listen to a podcast that explore what happens when local government is in financial difficulty and the implications for the VCFSE sector.

March 2, 2026

local authorities, rural, section 114, s114, local infrastructure, LIOs, finance, financial difficulty, difficulties, council

VCFSE

NAVCA and ACRE members

Download

Navigating a section 114 notice: guidance for small and local VCSE organisations

What happens when a local authority gets into financial difficulty and how should the VCFSE sector respond? This report first published in October 2024, sets out all the stages and the potential effects on the VCFSE sector. It recommends that VCFSE organisations ensure they can demonstrate the impact of any proposed cuts on people and communities, be able to evidence their role and contribution to the area, and build relationships with the council.

March 2, 2026

local authorities, rural, section 114, s114, local infrastructure, LIOs, finance, financial difficulty, difficulties

VCFSE

NAVCA and ACRE members

Local Authorities

Download

Neighbourhood Governance: current experience

New neighbourhood governance structures will be a core part of devolution. There are different models and approaches to existing neighbourhood governance in England. This resource looks at membership, approaches to operation and decision making, and how communities and the VCFSE can participate effectively.

February 19, 2026

neighbourhoods, neighbourhood governance, rural, local government reorganisation, devolution, parish council, town council

VCFSE

NAVCA and ACRE members

Local Authorities

Download

Local Government Outcomes Framework

All local authorities now have to deliver against 16 priority outcomes. Here is a summary of the outcomes.

February 19, 2026

rural

VCFSE

NAVCA and ACRE members

Download

Spatial development strategies and devolution

The government is launching a new wave of devolution and a consultation on spatial development strategies for areas that are not currently covered by devolved authorities. Read more about the consultation and the options councils have to suggest geographies for new strategic authorities.

February 19, 2026

devolution , rural

VCFSE

NAVCA and ACRE members

Download

Consultation: LGR in 14 two-tier areas

Consultations have now been launched on local government reorganisation (LGR) proposals for 14 two-tier council areas. The government is consulting on all the proposals for LGR in each area - closing date 26 March 2026. The consultation invites views on the geographical areas, size, financial issues, delivery of public services and neighbourhood empowerment. Read on to learn how to respond to the consultation.

February 19, 2026

LGR, rural

VCFSE

NAVCA and ACRE members

Download