Francis Maude and Nick Hurd have written an open letter reaffirming key Conservative priorities for the voluntary sector.
The letter offers an update on our policies in light of the recent launch of our Big Society agenda.
"Conservatives know the economic and social value of Britain’s diverse network of independent charities, social enterprises and voluntary organisations", it says. "Every day your organisations do extraordinary work to improve the lives of others".
"With your ability to support and mobilise people, you should be a key partner in our mission to deliver better public services and build the Big Society. With your power to innovate and get close to people, you can help us find solutions to the stubborn social problems that undermine the country."
"It has never been easy to run your organisations: a long recession has made it even tougher. So we want to play an active role in helping to unlock the huge potential that exists in the sector to improve more lives."
In 2008, we launched a well received Green Paper, Voluntary Action in the 21st Century, and since then have consulted extensively. As a result we believe that Government policy should be focused on three fundamental issues, set out in this letter:
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Making it easier to run a charity, social enterprise or voluntary organisation
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Getting more resources into the sector: strengthening its independence and resilience
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Making it easier for sector organisations to work with the State
Click here to download the letter