Wiltshire Council turns its back on the voluntary sector

Wiltshire council's Conservative administration continues its policy of cutting all which is useful and valued in the county with an attack on funding for the voluntary sector. The responsibility to assist local organisations falls onto the increasingly overloaded and short-changed area boards. Here's a statement from Cllr Chris Williams. Look for the bullshot lurking between every line - Kremlinologists will recognise the style.

..............................................

CHANGES TO VOLUNTARY, COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL ENTERPRISE (VCSE) SUPPORT

1. As chairman of the Wiltshire Compact I would like to update you of the changes to the VCSE support arrangements.

2. The current agreement for a single, county-wide VCSE support service came to an end on 31 March 2016. Over the past year the council has consulted with providers and users of this service to understand how best to provide support in the future.

3. In support of its vision to create stronger and more resilient communities the council is shifting from supporting a single, county-wide VCSE support service to enabling VCSE groups to support and develop themselves at a local level.

4. The council's area boards engage with local communities, parish councils, organisations and volunteers to provide advice, support and shared knowledge particular to the locality. The area boards will be a greater focus for VCSE groups seeking advice and support. The Community Engagement Managers are working with the area boards to build community capacity by assisting voluntary and community sector groups, encouraging volunteers and tapping into local resources.

5. The area boards will assist VCSE groups to collaborate and encourage self-sufficiency through stronger partnership working between VCSE and public/private sector organisations to facilitate the delivery of agreed local priorities. VCSE events will continue to be promoted and an annual community volunteering award is currently being considered.

6. VCSE groups will be encouraged to continue to build local networks and to consider a joined up approach, particularly in relation to resource, finance, training, and enhancing and increasing volunteering opportunities to continue to develop the local VCSE sector.

7. Provision of an accredited volunteer centre will be assessed pending the outcome of transitional funding arrangements with the current provider.

8. If you wish to know more about the new arrangement, please contact

Liz Creedy - Head of Corporate Support and/or Steve Milton - Head of Service Communities and Governance for further information.

Cllr Chris Williams

Chairman of the Wiltshire Compact Board