Speaking at the NCVO annual conference, head of policy Ann Blackmore told delegates that the organisation was fighting for the change which would require local authorities to prove they are working with charities, putting the third sector on a par with statutory service providers.

The NCVO is calling for the amendment to be made before the white paper becomes a Bill and is presented to Parliament. “What we’re asking for through the consultation, what we’re going to be lobbying for, is a recognition that there should also be a responsibility for local authorities to work with non-statutory providers,” Blackmore said. “You must demonstrate how you have engaged with partners across the voluntary sector, and indeed the private sector.”

Blackmore also warned that it was unacceptable for councils to receive top marks from the Audit Commission – the independent body which ensures public money is well spent - if they had failed to engage with the voluntary sector. “I don’t want to see high performing councils listed as high performing when their relationship with their VCS is terrible,” she said. “That’s something that we have got to work with the Audit Commission about.”