Deadline for responses is 30 September 2011

The Government launched the Open Public Services White Paper in July 2011, setting out major changes in the relationship between the state, communities, individuals and the private sector. A listening exercise is being conducted by the Government and the deadline for comments is 30 September 2011. The issues raised will have far reaching implications for the local voluntary and community sector and the diverse communities it supports. The White Paper includes opening up more public service markets to new providers of services (including the private and voluntary and community sector); decentralising from central government to local government and to neighbourhoods and individuals; increasing competition in the provision of services; improving the quality of public services and payment by results.

There are opportunities for the voluntary and community sector to play a greater role in the development and delivery of services but concerns have been raised that there will be challenges, for example on funding for voluntary and community organisations and the range of services available, for example for excluded communities or vulnerable groups.

COVER produced a summary of the key elements of the White Paper. A briefing paper outlining the specific implications for the voluntary and community sector has also been produced by NAVCA (the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action). Voluntary and community organisations are urged to consider the effect of these changes and make comments to the Government through an Open Public Services website by Friday 30 September 2011.