Voluntary and Community Sector Policy under the Coalition Government

Abstract

This paper reviews changes to the policy environment for the voluntary and community sector since the formation of Coalition Government in the United Kingdom in May 2010. It firstly explores changes to the sector since 2010 both in terms of its economy and also narratives advanced to steer policy. Secondly the paper reconsiders key planks of the Coalition Government’s policy agenda, notably for public service delivery, funding, localism and scrutiny. Thirdly, it considers the political dimensions of the policy debate. A series of issues facing the voluntary and community sector, its relationship with the state, and wider challenges of democratic legitimacy and renewal are outlined. It is argued argue that these themes should not be seen in isolation, but as a series of interacting agendas advanced by actors and institutions through a network of alliances.