NOW THE DUST HAS SETTLED

 

Now that the dust of the General Election 2015 has settled, we know that David Cameron will be leading a Conservative government with a slim majority. The world in Barnet remains unchanged - we have the same members of parliament with Matthew Offord winning Hendon with an increased majority reflecting the national trend and Rohit Grover winning the Hampstead Garden Suburb safe seat for the local authority. However, we must cast an eye on the national political landscape.

Diversifying the delivery of public services through different provider’s remains, the Conservatives are keen on small and medium-sized enterprises delivering more public authority contracts, in addition to driving innovation and a commitment has been made to ‘harness the talent and energy of charities’ in the work programme. There will be a review of public service markets and our sector by the National Audit Office, which will provide us with a short-term opportunity to set the agenda. I would urge you all to take advantage of the opportunity as it arises and we in CommUNITY Barnet will ensure that we advertise those opportunities for you all to take part.

The volunteering agenda looks like our biggest opportunity with the manifesto commitment to allow three days paid leave a year from big companies and public bodies is fantastic – but as NCVO states, "The devil is in the detail of implementation". However, we can use this as an opportunity to make sure our organisations are ready to welcome these potential new armies of volunteers and we in CommUNITY Barnet can help you with this. There is also a pledge to expand the International and National Citizen Scheme.

There are a number of new MPs who have been selected with direct experience of working in the voluntary and community sector who I am confident will continue to be our voice and represent our cause - and Nick Hurd, who is regarded by many as a friend of the sector, was successfully re-elected.