Localism

THE THIRD SECTOR AND THE COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIPS - 2011

A major programme of change started in March 2008 when the Scottish Government announced that it would no longer fund the networks of councils of voluntary service, the volunteer centres, the local social economy partnerships and the social enterprise networks after 31 March 2011.

Four letters have been issued by the Scottish Government, advancing the process of change

From 1 April 2011, there are no grants available under this programme other than for single interfaces. Single interfaces provide a coherent structure for the third sector in each local area, with clear links to Community Planning Partnerships and Single Outcome Agreements. The purpose of the interface is to provide a single point of access to support and advice for the third sector within the local area and also to provide strong coherent and cohesive representation for the third sector on the community planning partnership.

The interface is funded to deliver across the whole local authority area in each of the following:

· Volunteer development

· Social enterprise development

· Supporting and developing a strong third sector

· Building the third sector relationship with community planning