Press release: 3rd Sector Strategic Partners programme
8 April 2008
CLG failure to pursue ‘vital’ 3rd Sector Strategic Partners programme – ‘a cause for concern’ says Community Sector Coalition Following weeks of uncertainty the announcement on April 4th 2008 by the Department for Communities and Local Government to drop the Strategic Partners programme has generated frustration amongst members of the Community Sector Coalition (CSC). In addition to the time spent, and now lost, on preparing bids to deliver the programme, there is a concern about central government’s attitudes towards its community partners. The arbitrary and high handed approach has generated fears of a lack of seriousness in government’s professed desire to work closely with the third sector. ‘Clearly this behaviour would not stand with the private sector or local authorities,’ said one CSC member, who went on to say that ‘it is unacceptable that they should treat us this way’. The CSC has a keen interest in the evolving DCLG agenda around community anchors, empowerment, third sector partnership and dialogue and retains a strong desire to take part in and shape the roll out of these policies. However the recent announcement has clearly not helped build the relationship that is so badly needed to move forward on these fronts. The lack of clarity over a replacement scheme and announcement coming as it does at the start of a new financial year has led to calls from CSC members for swift remedial action from government to offset further harm done to partnership working. Close. For more information – contact: Matthew Scott CSC Director 33 Corsham Street London N1 6DR Tel 020 7336 9461 / Email matthew@bassac.org.uk |