Policy and Influence

The Commission on Civil Society and Democratic Engagement have published their third report, setting out the first evidence of the impact of the Lobbying Act on charities and campaign groups.

The report draws evidence from 50 charities, faith and campaign groups across the UK representing a wide range of issues.

The commission are concerned by the findings:
Even before the regulated period started, the Lobbying Act has been limiting charities and campaign groups from speaking out on important issues ahead of the general election.

This is a press release from the National Coalition for Independent Action (NCIA)

A new blog by Nigel Rose, Macc's Strategic Lead on Commissioning, explores the role of the voluntary and community sector (VCS) in Manchester's flagship integration programme, "Living Longer, Living Better". Read it here.

The Greater Manchester Poverty Monitor measures levels of poverty across the city region and tells what life is like for residents living below the poverty line. It includes a set of interactive charts and maps and is accompanied by a report detailing experiences of poverty from the perspectives of those affected by it.

Two researchers from the University of Manchester are currently working on a project which explores people’s experiences and views about what immigrant integration means and involves.

The research project, Unity out of Diversity? Perspectives on the adaptations of immigrants in Britain, is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council.

The Manchester Community Safety Strategy for 2014-2017 produced by Manchester City Council following public consultation sets out priority areas for all organisations operating in the Manchester area.

Some of the organisations have a statutory requirement to align and provide services to address these priorities whilst some organisations and groups may be doing so on a voluntary basis and should be encouraged to contribute to reducing crime and disorder within their communities in line with the priorities.

The Commission on the Future of Local Infrastructure has published its final report. The Commission is making 19 recommendations, as well as an overarching recommendation that local infrastructure needs to be redesigned and creatively resourced to meet future challenges.

Councillor Sue Murphy, Deputy Leader of the Council and lead Member for the Voluntary Sector, and Councillor Paul Andrews, Executive Member for Adult Health and Wellbeing, are offering voluntary and community sector organisations in the city the opportunity to put forward their views on the Council's budget options.