Local Authorities 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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Unseen but essential: the value of the voluntary sector microbiome in Integrated Care Systems

The voluntary sector microbiome is the small-scale voluntary or community organisations, which are often unregistered. The vital community activities they provide makes an essential contribution to health and wellbeing. This short resources explores their contribution to Integrated Care Systems (ICS).

March 9, 2026

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

Strategic Authorities

Local Authorities

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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

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Working with the voluntary sector during LGR

Guidance for councils going through LGR on how to work in partnership with the VCFSE sector through local infrastructure organisations (LIOs). It highlights the unique value the VCFSE sector brings to councils, the critical bridging role played by LIOs, and the risks to relationships, funding and community connection if this expertise is overlooked during transition.

March 5, 2026

rural, VCSE, VCS, neighbourhoods, local government reorganisation, LGR, devolution, strategic authorities, LGA

Strategic Authorities

Local Authorities

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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

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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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Navigating a section 114 notice: policy and recommendations for local authorities on working with VCFSE sector

A report for local authority officers and elected members to help you understand the implications of financial difficulties and the issuing of a section 114 notice on the VCFSE sector. Recommendations are included as to how councils can work with VCFSE organisations to ensure services are maintained for people and communities.

March 2, 2026

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

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

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