Coalition members welcome Gordon Brown's Vision

The British Association of Settlements and Social Action Centres (bassac) is encouraged by Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s speech launching the Government’s final report on the future role of the third sector in social and economic regeneration.

bassac Chief Executive, Ben Hughes, welcomed the Prime Minister’s desire to support local community groups by increasing access to funding or advice, investing in small grant schemes and supporting local decision-making on building communities.

Ben Hughes said, “I am delighted that the Prime Minister has acknowledged the essential role for local community groups in delivering social renewal. I’m particularly pleased by the report’s reference to community anchors. It mirrors the research that bassac is developing around the role of community anchors in being a voice in local communities.”

“bassac has long held that this is a key route to creating lasting social change and we look forward to working with our partners in the sector and government to strengthening voice and campaigning, especially across the community sector.”

The Prime Minister recognised the valuable role of the third sector in campaigning for social change and giving a voice to the most vulnerable members of society. Ben Hughes said, “I am delighted that the Government is investing time and effort in reviewing its partnership with the third sector. It is heartening to hear the Prime Minister publicly commit to strengthening the independent voice of local people. We look forward to substantial additional resources being made available so that the Prime Minister’s aspirations for the third sector can be made a reality.”

For more information about the Government's vision for the Third Sector visit the Cabinet Office website.