To note the responses received during the consultation process on the Strategy Framework and proposals to take the Framework forward.

To approve arrangements for Council funding for support, advice and representation (infrastructure) services for the Voluntary and Community Sector in Herefordshire.

THAT

a)      Herefordshire Council adopt the Strategy Framework attached to the report;

b)     the Community Regeneration Team take the lead in developing a more detailed Action Plan and implementing the Strategy Framework across the Council; and

c)      the principles set out as a basis for negotiations with the members of the Herefordshire Infrastructure Consortium on service level agreements for future years, be endorsed.

The 2004 Review of Council support to the Community and Voluntary Sector highlighted the need for a Council strategy for Voluntary and Community Sector Support.  National government policy is that the Voluntary Sector be supported to deliver public services, encourage volunteering and social enterprise and build stronger communities.

There are no alternative options identified for the first two recommendations of this report. 

The Council could identify its requirements in terms of infrastructure support and tender this work, but this may be counter productive and could damage the relationship that the Council has built up with the Infrastructure Consortium.