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SPOTLIGHT |
There must be a level playing field for public procurement so that voluntary and community organisations can compete fairly, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations has argued.
In its submission to the Treasury Spending Review, the umbrella group called for the transformation of public services, rather than an attempt to reduce the deficit “either through a ‘more for less’ or ‘less for less’ approach”.
It said: “Commissioning decisions should take into account of the impact on quality of life and community, for example by including provisions relating to social outcomes and social value in public sector contracts.”
The NCVO – which represents more than 8,300 organisations – said commissioning needed to encourage tenders from a full range of providers and should not favour non-specialist, large providers.
“There must be a level playing field for public procurement so that VCOs can compete fairly, for example bidding for contracts on the basis of price not cost,” it argued.
“Further consideration should be given to the level of risk that civil society organisations are able to bear and their ability to access the capital needed to make the transition to a payment by results model or greater use of spot contracts.”
In its submission, the NCVO also said:
The outcome of the Treasury’s spending review will be published on 20 October and affect the next five years.
The NCVO said: “Voluntary and community organisations play an important part in re-invigorating our democracy, empowering people and communities and driving genuine improvements to services. They not only provide the foundation for the Big Society, but make a vital contribution to the nation’s social, economic, political and cultural well-being.”