Voluntary groups in the east of England have sent a clear message to local authorities and regional agencies calling on them to play fair and improve the way they work with voluntary and community sector organisations (VCS).

The message, contained in the VCS Manifesto for Public Sector Agencies in the Eastern Region, has been sent to every local authority, primary care trust and government agency across the East, and highlights the need for action to support the VCS in three key areas:

• Fairer treatment when bidding to deliver public services
• Better working relationships between the public and voluntary sectors
• Ensuring the community’s voice is heard in all decision making

Andy Cogan, ceo of COVER, which has produced the Manifesto on behalf of the voluntary sector, said: “The government has emphasised that voluntary organisations have a key role in the future of the Eastern region.

"Since they are integral to delivering public services to the community and for speaking-up for the interests of marginalised groups. But bureaucratic systems and entrenched mind-sets are too often side-lining their efforts.”