Community and Voluntary News May 2008

• Futurebuilders England, a £215million government fund to develop third sector delivery of public services has widened its criteria. The fund is actively seeking applications from third sector bodies working in all areas. Previously it only accepted applications from those working in certain areas such as crime and education. For more details see Future Builders Fund on our database
  
• The government has decided to scrap the Third Sector Strategic Partners scheme. The scheme was to fund third sector organisations to promote a link between the government and grass-roots groups. Communities Secretary Hazel Blears said “It no longer offers value for money”, but added “I have asked officials to develop revised proposals which we will aim to launch very quickly”.