Charity Leaders push Darling to expand Third Sector remit
Charity leaders have today met with Alistair Darling to discuss how the third sector can deliver public services at a better price for the taxpayer.
Representatives from the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (Acevo), an umbrella organisation that represents more than 2,000 charity leaders, met the Chancellor in The Treasury at 8am.
Acevo said long-term savings could be made within public services by understanding the needs of the people using them.
According to Acevo the third sector, which includes charities, voluntary organisations and not for profit organisations, has seen an increase in the number of public services it provides over the past 10 years.
Areas in which the third sector delivers public services include health and social care, education and offender management.
Acevo challenged the Government to allow charities to run entire services in fields where voluntary sector deliverers have demonstrated their expertise, such as end of life care, the management of type 2 diabetes and the rehabilitation of prisoners.
Stephen Bubb, chief executive of Acevo, said: "We are making an irresistible offer to Government. Devolving more public service delivery to the voluntary sector will benefit both the economy and service users who receive more effective and personalised services.
"We have the opportunity to transform the way we deliver our public services and we believe that Government needs to be bold in putting the voluntary sector at the heart of this.
"We hope the Treasury will recognise the potential there is in our offer and will work with us to ensure the third sector can play a vital role, and central role, in the delivery of top quality services and cost-effective public services that will contribute to our economic recovery and growth."
Acevo's meeting with the Chancellor came ahead of its meeting with the shadow cabinet next month, when it will discuss the role of the third sector in public service delivery in the current economic environment.
Acevo is the voice for chief executives in the third sector. With more than 2,000 members nationwide, it supports, develops, connects and represents third sector leaders. For more information go to www.acevo.org.uk.
Source: Gemma Roberts, Community Newswire
