Pickles warns councils over disproportionate cuts

Speaking at the National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) annual conference in London, Mr Pickles was keen to highlight the benefits of a good relationship between government – central and local – and the voluntary and community sector. He branded those councils that fail to realise the potential of the voluntary and community sector as “short sighted” and said

“in many cases, voluntary and community groups are transforming the way public services are delivered. Bringing levels of expertise and care. Imagination and innovation, that rival the very best of the public or private sector. And in doing so, they offer outstanding value for money”.

Read Eric Pickles's speech at the NCVO conference here

The content of his speech will be of interest to voluntary and community organisations in Northern Ireland as events in England often provide a good indicator of future policy changes here. The cuts imposed in England, firstly by central government, and passed down via local authorities, are a good example of what may occur in Northern Ireland as budget cuts are agreed and filter down to organisations.

While pointing out that public spending needs to be brought under control, Eric Pickles was keen to emphasise that unreasonable and disproportionate cuts will not be tolerated. Making clear the reasonable standards expected of local authorities in dealing with the voluntary and community sector, Pickles warned that:

• First, councils should not pass on disproportionate cuts to local voluntary and community groups or inflict bigger reductions to budgets than they take on themselves.
• Secondly, councils should talk to voluntary and community groups at a very early stage about how services need to change.
• Thirdly, organisations will be given at least three months’ notice about the need to end or alter a grant or other support.

In urging councils to support and nurture their relationship with the voluntary and community sector, Eric Pickles, and ultimately the Government, has taken an important step towards establishing the Big Society ideals and supporting the vital contribution of the voluntary and community sector.

Sir Stuart Etherington, Chief Executive of NCVO, said:

"This is a very important statement from the Government.  It fires a warning shot across the bow of local government not to make disproportionate cuts to the vital services that the voluntary and community sector provides."

The picture of Eric Pickles used above has been reproduced with the kind permission of National Council of Voluntary Organisations.