To receive a progress report on the development of a Voluntary & Community Sector (VCS) Support Strategy for the Council and its relationship to the Local Area Agreement (LAA), and to approve of proposed actions for future implementation of the Strategy.

THAT (a)        progress towards the development of a Council Strategy for Voluntary & Community Sector Support be noted

(b)            the draft Strategic Framework be approved for consultation.

(c)the principle of maintaining existing funding arrangements to Age Concern, Community First, Community Voluntary Action Ledbury & District and Herefordshire Voluntary Action, pending final adoption of the Strategic Framework and agreement of the Infrastructure Consortium Business Plan be approved.

The 2004 Review of Council Support to the Community & Voluntary Sector highlighted the need for a Council Strategy for Voluntary & Community Sector Support.

No alternative options have been identified.