New report highlights charity sector efficiency

Community Newswire

18 July 2008

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New research by think tank nfpSynergy has found that 58% of councillors and 50% of Local Authority staff think "charities are able to deliver public services as cost-effectively as local authorities".

These figures rise to 63% and 59% when comparing charities' ability with that of companies - according to the survey results.

However, Local Authority staff estimate just 14% of services are provided by the voluntary sector, with companies bagging a quarter (26%) of all delivery contracts.

The online survey involved a representative sample of 460 councillors and more than 420 Local Authority staff - from CEOs to those working in primary care trusts, social care, housing and education, plus finance and corporate divisions. It investigated Local Authorities' shifting attitudes and behaviour towards charities in England & Wales, notably in relation to service provision.

Joe Saxton, nfpSynergy's driver of ideas, said: "Charities should be encouraged by the public sector's stated commitment to helping them thrive; and by the positive attitude of the majority of councillors and Local Authority staff concerning their ability to deliver public services - not least when compared with the ability of companies or, indeed, Local Authorities themselves.

"However, all parties should question the seemingly low uptake of provision by the voluntary sector in a wide range of areas. The public sector spirit seems willing, yet conversion into charity contracts remains weak. Surely, actions speak louder than words."

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