Councils and charities are stuck in an adversarial relationship | David Walker

A fierce focus on contracts, competition and outsourcing has leached away the spirit and energy of volunteering and community action

Everyone wants a harmonious relationship between councils and the voluntary sector. The Lords committee on charities, chaired by Michael Bichard, published a report (pdf) in March (which still awaits a response from ministers) hailing a genuine partnership approach. Commentators such as John Tizard, who knows both sides well, continue to produce recipes for collaboration, while Julia Unwin's inquiry hopes for peace and tranquillity.

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There are endless tales about harsh funding regimes, with smaller organisations feeling squeezed and marginalised

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