Office of the Third Sector Homepage
Last updated: 23 November 2008
9 October 2007
Today's Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) has reaffirmed the Government's commitment to support the third sector. The CSR confirms the funding plans originally outlined in the third sector review in July 2007, and sets out how the third sector can help build stronger communities.
The third sector review put forward a new strategy for building the Government's relationship with the third sector to promote social and economic regeneration over the next ten years.
Over the period of the spending review (2008-11), the Office of the Third Sector will invest over £515 million in third sector programmes, including:
The CSR also sets out how the third sector contributes to the delivery of key Government objectives through the new Public Service Agreement framework.
The Office of the Third Sector will tie into a new Public Service Agreement that aims to build more cohesive, empowered and active communities, and which will be measured in part by the levels of formal volunteering and employment in the third sector.
The contribution of the third sector is also recognised in the majority of the delivery agreements (which outline how improvements will be achieved), playing a particularly important role in promoting opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Phil Hope, Minister for the Third Sector, said:
“Building on the final report of the third sector review, the conclusion of the Comprehensive Spending Review recognises the critical contribution that third sector organisations make to the delivery of key outcomes across Government.
“Over the CSR years the Government will put in place significant investment to build the capacity of third sector organisations to support their enormous contribution to our society, economy and environment.”