Labour Party Leader Ed Miliband writes to NICVA about a new initiative on civil society

The review will focus on two questions:

• How we can strengthen the role of civil society?
• How can we provide the resources for social finance needed over the next 10 years?

In his letter to NICVA's Chief Executive he says:

“The impact of accelerated cuts in voluntary sector funding this year and throughout this Parliament will not only undermine the 'Big Society' but, beyond today’s headlines, also have a profound impact on the vital services your members provide”.

Ed Miliband went on to say:

“I want to make clear my genuine commitment to building a Good Society, with the voluntary sector at its heart”.

It is expected that Tessa Jowell, the Shadow Minister at the Cabinet Office, will lead this initiative and Ed Miliband intends to invite a number of experts from the sector to join the review.

Activities of the review team will include a series of monthly round tables to which people will be asked to go along and submit ideas and views.