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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Neighbourhood working: Top Ten Insights for VCFSE organisations

10 Top Tips for VCFSE organisations on neighbourhood working within local government reorganisation.

April 7, 2026

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

VCFSE

NAVCA and ACRE members

Neighbourhood Working: introduction for VCFSE organisations

Neighbourhood working in local government reorganisation - has the potential to be locally responsive and connected to communities. Read about pilot neighbourhood areas in Surrey, how the VCFSE sector was involved and what can be applied to other areas.

April 7, 2026

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

VCFSE

NAVCA and ACRE members

LGR Announcement Update 25 March 2026

MHCLG has announced how Essex with Southend and Thurrock, Hampshire and the Solent, Norfolk and Suffolk with be reorganised, with further information on proposals for East and West Sussex and Brighton. This briefing summarises the decisions, explores the implications for other areas awaiting decisions on reorganisation and what you should do now.

March 31, 2026

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

VCFSE

NAVCA and ACRE members

Risk Barometer

A risk register to monitor the impact of the changes in health systems, local government, devolution and work with partner organisations. Prepared by an ACRE and NAVCA member this spreadsheet can be adapted and edited to reflect your own situation and simplify reporting to Trustee Boards on issues arising.

March 31, 2026

rural, local authorities, local infrastructure, VCFSE, VCS, VCSE, LGR, local government reorganisation, devolution, ICB, ICS, heath, neighbourhood

VCFSE

NAVCA and ACRE members

What is local government reorganisation, and why is it important?

The reorganisation of local councils is taking place in the 21 areas of England that still have district and county councils. A single tier of local government will be created [called unitary authorities], and this will mean big changes for councils and for who the VCFSE sector works with and where. Read on to explore the stages of local government reorganisation (LGR) and at least four reasons why this is important.

March 16, 2026

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

VCFSE

NAVCA and ACRE members

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 10, 2026

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

VCFSE

NAVCA and ACRE members

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.

March 10, 2026

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

VCFSE

NAVCA and ACRE members

Local Authorities

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 10, 2026

rural, VCSE, VCS, neighbourhoods, devolution

VCFSE

NAVCA and ACRE members

Strategic Authorities

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.

March 10, 2026

LGR, rural

VCFSE

NAVCA and ACRE members

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 8, 2026

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

VCFSE

NAVCA and ACRE members

Local Authorities

Local Government Outcomes Framework

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

March 6, 2026

rural

VCFSE

NAVCA and ACRE members

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.

March 6, 2026

devolution , rural

VCFSE

NAVCA and ACRE members

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

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

Stages for a local authority in financial difficulty

There is a six stage process that takes place as a council starts to get into financial difficulty. There are changes in partnership working and funding of the VCFSE sector. This infographic will help you identify the different stages. Refer to Navigating a section 114 notice: guidance for small and local VCSE organisations, on what to do next.

March 2, 2026

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

VCFSE

NAVCA and ACRE members

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

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