London’s borough councils have supported the capital’s voluntary and community sector since the abolition of the Greater London Council (GLC) 20 years ago. Today the boroughs, through London Councils, give £28 million a year to more than 400 voluntary groups.
When the boroughs first took on the role, funding was provided to applicant organisations on an annual basis, but four years ago an Open Bidding Funding Programme was introduced.
Open Bidding Funding Programme – achievements for London
This funding method offered organisations greater financial stability, through guaranteed four-year funding arrangements, in return for addressing priorities set by London Councils. This report is a review of how that system has worked, and shows how successful it has been.
Building on success – the London Councils Grants Scheme
Next year, the London Councils Grants Scheme will improve further, when open bidding is replaced by the commissioning of services. This will allow London Councils to actively seek organisations to fund rather than responding to bids.
This makes it possible to direct funding to parts of London which have been under-resourced and to address London’s evolving needs. There will be modified priorities, and every London borough will benefit from funding in proportion to its needs.
As the review shows, London Councils’ grants programme will be entering this new era from a position of strength. It enjoys the support of the voluntary and community sector and is offering excellent value - both financially and in terms of the activities supported - to people throughout London.
London Councils Press Release 20/12/2006
http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/doc.asp?doc=19068&cat=933
Women
Funding to 10 organisations has helped improve the social inclusion, economic opportunities and representation of women. This work has contributed to a reduction in isolation, improved confidence, empowerment, self esteem and ability to access mainstream services. Activities have been undertaken to improve the employability of women who have been over-represented in unemployment figures, or under-represented in particular industries.
Complementing this work, funded projects have helped women access childcare and knowledge of rights. London’s women are vastly under-represented in politics and decision-making (23% of MPs, 30% of councillors). Funded projects have improved women’s representation and participation in community affairs through an increase in self esteem, communication skills and confidence to become involved in politics. There has been effective campaigning for equality of opportunity. During the period of funding there has been an increase in the number of women from disadvantaged/minority communities obtaining public appointments.
Quote from ‘Meeting the needs of the captial: a review of London Councils Grants’ open bidding funding programme’ which is available to download at http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/upload/public/attachments/958/Grants%20report%20Meeting%20the%20needs.pdf