New: Guidance for LIOs and VCSE organisations on navigating local government financial difficulties

Policy report and guidance for VCSE organisationsFinancial difficulties within many local authorities, sometimes leading to the issuing of a section 114 notice (s114), is affecting communities across England. We know that this also affects many NAVCA members, who often receive funding from and work in partnership with local government.

Working with Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales, we commissioned Counsel Ltd. to conduct cross-sector consultation and engagement to understand how section 114 notices work in practice, and the changes to the local operating environment that they bring.

We interviewed local government representatives and a range of voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations, including local infrastructure organisations (LIOs), to gather experiences of local government financial difficulty. Using these insights, we have created guidance for local and smaller VCSE organisations operating in areas where the council is experiencing financial difficulties, has issued a section 114, or may be likely to in the future.

Wehave also used the experience and knowledge shared by interviewees to collate a set of policy recommendations for local and central government – aiming to improve the practice around section 114 notices and achieve better outcomes for communities.

We're also hosting an event on Wednesday 20th November, 11am - 12:30pm, where we will explore the guidance in more depth, with time for discussion. All NAVCA members and VCSE organisations are welcome at the event. Sign up by clicking the button below.
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Sign up for our event here

This guidance can be used by any local VCSE organisations, to:

• identify when their local authority might be in financial difficulty.      
• understand the issuing of a section 114 notice - what it is, what it means, and how it might affect your work.     
• develop approaches and strategies for navigating these situations.
• learn from others – in the VCSE and statutory sectors – who have been through similar experiences.

Download guidance here