Government ‘using’ community groups

Community-based organisations are being “co-opted” by the
government, which could reduce their ability to tackle social
exclusion, according to a report by an independent
think-tank.

The report, published by Demos, finds that some organisations fear
they may be used as “instruments of government policy” which may
compromise their independence and lose the trust of those they
serve.

The results, based on more than 40 community-based projects, come
after the government identified them as a vital link to socially
excluded communities.

Sukhvinder Stubbs, director of the Barrow Cadbury Trust, which
funded the research, said: “Government is not playing to the
strengths of community-based organisations.”

– Inside Out: Rethinking Inclusive Communities from www.demos.co.uk