Local Authority Finances - note for NAVCA members

Briefing note (January 2023) on implications of the 2024-25 funding settlement for local authorities in England, plus a summary of a members' meeting in December 2023 on effective leadership by LIOs in the context of local authority funding crisis.

local authorities, councils, funding, leadership, partnership, collaboration

Section 114 Notices - briefing for members

This briefing explains what a section 114 notice is, what happens when one is issued by a local authority, and implications for local infrastructure organisations and the VCSE sector. It provides guidance for members on what their role should be and what actions to take.

local authorities, councils, funding, leadership, partnership, collaboration

Local Authorities and Local VCS Infrastructure: Encouraging Collaboration

This short briefing offers guidance on partnerships with local authorities, VCS organisations and local infrastructure organisations. The key drivers are building relationships and mutual respect.

councils, leadership, partnership, collaboration

Funding and Competition in Local Infrastructure – Interim Findings

Summary of findings of members' experience of local authority commissioing of local infrastructure services, covering the move from grant to contract model, competitive tendering in small lots, prioritising price over quality. Briefing also explores perceived competition when LIOs deliver other services.

councils, leadership, partnership, collaboration

UK Subsidy Control Regime Briefing Note

Briefing for NAVCA members on applying the rules of the UK Subsidy Control Regime which came into force in 2023. It effectively deals with what funding from local and central government might be classed as a unfair subsidy.

briefing, policy

UK Subsidy Control Regime Statutory Guidance

This guidance explains public authorities’ legal obligations under the UK subsidy control regime.

subsidy

Spring Budget 2024 - NAVCA Members Briefing

Short briefing on the main measures announced in the Spring Budget on 6 March 2024. Includes extension of Household Support Fund for further 6 months to September 2024.

budget, finance, government

Charity Banking Challenges - Briefing No.1

A report summarising the problems that charities and community groups encounter in accessing banking services. Services that charities need are increasingly unavailable; Services are not suited to the way that charities operate; Charities often encounter poor customer service; Online banking is not designed for or accessible to charities.

banking, bank accounts,

Productivity of Purpose: bringing charities into the UK's productivity drive

A report by Jack Larkham for the Law Family Commission run by Pro Bono Economics. Published in January 2023 it makes the case for investment in the VCSE sector so that it can fully contribute to economic growth and productivity. Notes importance of local infrastructure support.

growth, economics, local econony

Template letter to newly elected MPs

This is a template letter for NAVCA members to use to introduce themselves to their newly elected MP. Please edit the text as needed.

election, general election, politics, labour, influencing, government

July 2024 King's Speech Members' Briefing

Summary of relevant Bills from the first King's Speech of the new Labour Government. Of particular interest to local infrastructure is the English Devolution Bill, the Terrorism [Protection of Premises] Bill and the Employment Rights Bill.

devolution, policy, King's Speech, government, employment, local government, local authorities, councils, mayors, combined authority

Campaigning and political activity: general election lessons learned

Key issues and questions for charities to consider based on insights from The Charity Commission's casework into campaigning and political activity during previous election periods.

Charity campaigning in a general election period

Understand the rules on political activity and campaigning and how they are regulated now a general election has been called.

Don’t let election rules stop your charity's campaigning

The relevant legislation is confusing and can even seem intimidating to the layperson or trustees without legal expertise. But the reality is that for the vast majority of charities, it will not apply to them and their normal activities, and they can continue doing their important work as usual during election periods. Despite some tweaks to the regulations recently and some new guidance, a few rules of thumb and key things to know will help charities campaign with confidence.

The power of local infrastructure: working in partnership for thriving communities

This is our new document, published ahead of the 2024 general election, which sets out how an incoming government can work with local infrastructure organisations to achieve positive outcomes. This is a document by NAVCA that draws on member views gathered at the Annual Conference workshop. We encourage members to use this document locally to engage with prospective parliamentary candidates and their MP once elected.

general election, election, vote, campaigns, campaigning, communications

Ministerial Responsibilities August 2024

This document by NAVCA outlines the new ministerial appointments and responsibilities from the new government, highlighting the ones most relevant to local infrastructure.

Working with New Government - Summer 2024

This note reflects our experiences and priorities over the first 6 weeks or so of the incoming Labour Government. Please do send us your reflections and feedback, especially on priorities, and how this is playing through locally. This document contains our influencing objectives and strategy.

Building UK Resilience and Preparedness - September 2024

Presentation to VCSEP Network call 5 September 2024 by Bruce Mann and Kathy Settle on the reports and recommendations from recent pubic inquiries into major emergencies. They set out findings from the inquiries showing clearly the need for change (and the price that people and communities pay if we do not learn from the past). They shared their core belief at the heart of their work that can set us up for success: • Good people… • with good information… • decent plans and capabilities,… • operating in well understood structures,… • which have been tested,… • brought together by good leaders with the right attitude… • will mean we do a good job and keep people safe and secure. We must “put people first and work back from there.” PDF of presentation slides contains recommendations for action by VCS.

civil contingencies, emergencies partnership, pandemic, covid-19, Grenfell Tower, emergency planning, risk assessment, resilience

NAVCA Policy Briefing - Autumn Budget 2024

This policy briefing by NAVCA highlights the most important aspects of the Budget for local infrastructure and communities.

Post-Budget Draft Letter to MPs

This letter can be used by LIOs to highlight the potential impact of the budget (including the increase in employer national insurance contributions) on the local voluntary sector. Please adapt and amend it where appropriate before sending to your local MP.

NAVCA Response to Civil Society Covenant consultation

We consulted with members to create a collective response to the government's consultation on the new Civil Society Covenant. You can read our full response here.

policy, government, labour

Status of Local Authority Funding for Local Infrastructure - December 2024

NAVCA gathered information from member LIOs as a route to better understand the picture across the country, and the cumulative impact on the health and capacity of the VCS. The survey is not comprehensive but offers an overview of some of the systemic problems that LIOs and the VCSE sector are encountering. Read our findings here.

English Devolution White Paper - NAVCA briefing - December 2024

This document is a short summary of the headline points in an extensive and complex White Paper. This is a priority issue for local infrastructure organisations and so we will continue to resource and support you as devolution progresses.

Letter from Prime Minister to Civil Society - Jan 2025

The Prime Minister has written to civil society to outline work considered relevant to the sector carried out in the first six months of the Labour government. The concluding paragraph offers thanks for work done so far and for future engagement with government. There is no mention of the impact of budget changes on charity finances. Read the letter in full here. 

NAVCA Member Experience of the Community Recovery Fund – Autumn 2024

NAVCA has compiled member experience to demonstrate how providing straightforward guidance to local authorities could improve the targeting and effectiveness of future schemes for communities allocated via local authorities.

State of the Sector 2024: ready for a reset

Report on research compiled from surveys of charity leaders and members of the public. Key finding: essential services at risk from underfunded contracts held by charities - propping up state services by £2.4Bn per year.

VCSE, VCS organisations, full cost recovery

Herefordshire State of Sector Report 2024

Latest assets, trends, needs, and opportunities for the local VCSE. A useful resource from those wishing to undertake similar research, including understanding role, function and value of LIO services

Research

English Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation – Update for NAVCA Members

Since the publication of the Devolution White Paper in December 2024, there have been rapid developments in both proposals to create new strategic authorities and the reorganisation of the remaining 21 two tier council areas. This briefing covers the first phase of the priority devolution programme and the restructuring of districts and counties. It provides a short summary of recent announcements and links to further information.

Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation – At a Glance

This policy briefing for NAVCA members covers the key headlines from recent devolution announcements, the current timeline for devolution changes, and how NAVCA is supporting you.

VCSE Liaison Partnership November 2024

VCSE Liaison Partnership group: A Social Impact Ecosystem? This presentation about the The West of England Civil Society Partnership brings together a regional partnership of LIOs.

DCMS Volunteering Research - Think Piece by NAVCA

On 3 February 2025, DCMS released three research papers conducted by a consortium led by Basis Social, alongside London Economics and New Philanthropy Capital, as part of the Volunteering Research Managed Service which explored Digital Tools that Support Volunteering, Promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in volunteering and Compared national enabling environments for volunteering. This briefing summarises the key points that NAVCA believes are most relevant to local infrastructure organisations and offers our perspective on how local infrastructure can support positive change in volunteering.

Devolution Priority Areas – Notes of NAVCA and ACRE Members’ Meeting 19 March 2025 and Guidance on Consultation Responses

The documents notes member discussion on the implications of proposed government devolution and local government reorganisation in England, particularly for the VCS and rural communities. Participants shared experiences and concerns, highlighting the importance of early engagement, partnerships, and ensuring a range of voices including rural are heard in the process. The document contains guidance on how to respond to the current MHCLG consultations on the six devolution priority areas.

devolution local government local authorities local government reorganisation strategic authorities devolution priority areas

Pathways to Work - Member Briefing March 2025

The Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper, was published by the Department for Work and Pensions on 18 March and updated following the Spring Statement on 28 March 2025. It outlines the government's proposals to reform the benefits system with the aim of reducing economic inactivity and supporting individuals with health conditions or disabilities in accessing employment opportunities. This briefing is by NAVCA for members and outlines the most relevant points for local infrastructure organisations.

Partnership Unit Introduction

This letter from No.10 outlines new plans for the Partnerships Unit, which has been set up to support partnership working across sectors, cultivating partnerships that are built on a foundation of collaboration and trust. They can assist your engagement with departments across Government and use the convening power of Downing Street to help cut through silos and reach across sectors. You can reach the team at partnerships@no10.gov.uk.

Cumbria's experience of local government reorganisation

Set of PowerPoint slides explaining the response of Cumbria CVS to local government reorganisation in Cumbria. It covers the different stages, timeline and key learning from the experience.

local government reorganisation two tier councils Cumbria district county council

Previous Experience of Local Government Reorganisation in Two Tier Council Areas

Briefing document on previous experience of LIOs navigating the change from district and county councils to unitary authorities. The document offers guidance on the process, what to expect and issues to look out for.

local government reorganisation devolution two tier council district council county council

MHCLG feedback on interim LGR Plans - 6 June 2025

HM Government received interim proposals from all 21 council areas subject to local government reorganisation and MHCLG has now provided written feedback to each of them. This short briefing from NAVCA summarises the feedback.

LGR, policy, local government, councils, local authority

Engaging with a Reform UK Local Authority

Areas with Reform Led Councils - Briefing #1 July 2025: an overview of the initial experience members have had with Reform UK led councils, including pointers on building relationships, supporting the VCSE sector and immediate actions to take.

local authority council Reform UK councillors

LCSI Research Member Briefing #1

DCMS commissioned research into local civil society infrastructure to look at the evidence base, identify the positive impacts of effective local infrastructure and the negative effects of its absence, and approaches to strengthening it.

local civil society infrastructure research DCMS

English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill – Summary

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill sets out the legislation needed to create Strategic Authorities in England and put in place local government reorganisation. In this document, we summarise the Bill for NAVCA members.

NAVCA Member Policy Update Video (30 July 2025)

In our latest policy update video, Maddy Desforges, CEO, summarises the key policy developments and announcements from the past month. We chat about the Civil Society Covenant, the 10 Year Health Plan and more.

Local government reorganisation - July 2025 update

On 24 July, Jim McMahon, Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, wrote to councils in the 21 areas subject to local government reorganisation. We have summarised the update for members in this short policy briefing.

lgr, local government reorganisation, local authorities, councils

Public Procurement Consultation - NAVCA response

A further consultation on provisions of the Procurement Act that apply to SMEs and the VCSE sector were consulted on over the summer. The consultation was effectively a technical consultation, with limited opportunity to respond beyond the questions themselves. NAVCA has submitted a response which picks up some of the broader issues of procurement in relation to VCSE organisations emphasising what else needs to change beyond the proposals currently made.

Neighbourhood Governance - NAVCA member experience - August 2025

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill includes a requirement for forming unitary authorities to establish neighbourhood level governance structures. MHCLG are currently drafting the regulations that will inform how these will be set up and run. We have spoken to many members over the summer who currently work with various neighbourhood boards, community partnerships, area committees etc., and compiled your experiences for MHCLG, identifying some key pointers like the value of coterminous boundaries with health systems, membership and decision-making extending beyond elected councillors and the need for funding. The first section summarises the key learning, the subsequent sections provide detail on different systems in anonymised areas, with a couple of exceptions where it makes sense to name them.

Changes in Ministerial Responsibilities – September 2025

The first two weeks of September brought significant changes in government. We have produced a short document that shows the relevant changes in ministerial appointments directly relevant to local infrastructure.

Local Government Update - 1 October 2025

The latest policy briefing from NAVCA, covering local government policy updates and funding announcements from MHCLG.

policy, politics, funding

Civil Society Covenant toolkit for NAVCA members

This toolkit for NAVCA members will help you make the most of the Civil Society Covenant and the opportunities for developing relationships with stakeholders. The toolkit includes template letters to stakeholders such as local authorities and the VCSE sector, as well as a PowerPoint to use in meetings. We explore the connections between the Covenant and DCMS's research on local civil society infrastructure, to help you strengthen your case for local infrastructure.

policy, research

Civil Society Covenant PowerPoint template for NAVCA members

This PowerPoint accompanies the Civil Society Covenant toolkit for NAVCA members, and is adaptable for you to add your logo and your local context.

civil society, charity, local infrastructure, policy, research, dcms, lcsi

Integrated Neighbourhood Teams - notes from NAVCA member meeting on 30/09/25

Notes from a NAVCA member meeting about Integrated Neighbourhood Teams, how we can work with local authorities to amplify the role of the VCSE sector, what NAVCA can do, and specific examples from NAVCA members.

Pride in Place Strategy - NAVCA member briefing

MHCLG published the Pride in Place Strategy on 25 September 2025. The strategy brings together a large number of very diverse strands of work around regeneration, community participation and democracy, health and wellbeing, and cohesion, with some new investment. The Pride in Place programme will extend to another 169 places. Much of the strategy is re-announcements or consolidation of previous funding or policy pledges, but by bringing these different strands into one place, there is more of a coherent approach to what government is trying to achieve overall. There are also some new announcements and clarity on implementation of others. Read this NAVCA briefing to find out more.

policy

Budget 2025 - Members' Briefing

This much trailed Budget on 26 November 2026 contained some welcome positive announcements on policy changes and introduction of new funding, but also some that will be challenging for the VCSE sector and society as a whole, particularly in relation to tax. This brief covers the announcements relevant to local infrastructure and the VCSE sector.

budget finance 2025 local government Mayor Mayoral Strategic Authorities

Local Government Finance Settlement Part 1 - November 2025

Published on 20 November 2025, MHCLG has released the outcome of the Fair Funding Review 2.0 and announced the first part of a new multi-year Settlement for local government to 31 March 2029.

finance Mayoral Strategic Authorities IMD consolidation budgets

Update Local Government Reorganisation - November 2025

Consultations on proposals for local government reorganisation in East Sussex, Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and West Sussex were released on 19 November. Local infrastructure is listed as a statutory consultee in all the consultations. This briefing explores how to respond to the consultation - the closing date is 11 January 2026.

consultation devolution

The value and importance of neighbourhoods - report by NAVCA

Across public services, regeneration and local democracy, “neighbourhoods” are becoming more prominent. From Integrated Neighbourhood Teams in health, to regeneration plans and new local governance models, the neighbourhood is being positioned as the place where services are delivered, and decisions are made closer to where people live. Our report explores the value and importance of neighbourhoods, and the role of local infrastructure.

community, communities, VCSE, VCS