The Labour manifesto, which sets out plans to give people a greater voice in public services and allow the takeover or merger of under-performing schools, hospitals and even police forces, has been given a lukewarm response from the sector.

The main commitments relating directly to the voluntary sector are:

put the Commission for the Compact on a statutory footing, and ensure greater support for the Compact at local level

plans for a National Youth Community Service, with the goal that all young people contribute at least 50 hours to their communities by the age of 19

promote greater public involvement in the way that National Lottery proceeds are spent on good causes. The manifesto also states that the proportion of lottery funding currently diverted to the Olympics will be returned to culture, heritage and sport

promote the transfer of buildings and land to the ownership or control of voluntary and community groups

review how incentives for philanthropic support can be strengthened

pioneer Social Impact Bonds and create 'social enterprise hubs in every community

expand Community Interest Companies and third sector mutual organisations through support from the Co-operative Party, Business Link, enterprise education and the Regional Development Agencies

a new fund for community ownership in 2010-11 for local pubs and social clubs

a greater use of participatory budgeting and greater use of Community Land Trusts in order to enable local people to purchase and run local amenities and assets in their area such as youth facilities, parks and open spaces.

It also recognises the importance of the voluntary and community sector, in particular its independence and campaigning role.

The document also reiterates a previous commitment to fund the Social Investment Bank through £75 million of dormant accounts money.

Stuart Etherington, chief executive of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, said: "Greater strength for the Compact and the promotion of schemes that allow communities greater control over local public buildings are great news for the sector but we would be concerned at any proposals to divert Lottery money away from voluntary organisations."

Hannah Terrey, head of policy and public affairs, at the Charities Aid Foundation, added: "We welcome the Labour Party's commitment to 'strongly value the independence of the voluntary and community sector' and it will be interesting to see, as the election campaign unfolds, more detail on the Labour party's review of incentives for philanthropy to arts organisations.

"However we are disappointed that Labour have confirmed that £75 million will made available to the proposed social investment wholesale bank from dormant accounts. As we have previously said, this is insufficient to establish a viable and sustainable wholesale investment bank and it needs additional funds from dormant accounts to be workable."

Share Story: