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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
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
Changing geographies: collaborations, partnerships and mergers
The creation of new unitary and strategic authorities will mean that the established areas of which an ACRE or NAVCA member operates will change. The implications for where and how a LIO has to work could be profound. This resource explores different ways of working with LIOs base on existing experiences.
March 6, 2026
rural, local authorities, local infrastructure, VCFSE, VCS, VCSE, LGR, local government reorganisation, devolution
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 6, 2026
rural, local government reorganisation, LGR,VCS, VCSE, VCFSE
VCFSE
NAVCA and ACRE members
Local Authorities
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
