Council to work more closely with voluntary sector

Shropshire Council has strengthened its commitment to working with local voluntary and community groups by agreeing a new role for one of its Cabinet members.

Councillor Gwilym Butler will now lead on working with the voluntary and community sector following a restructure of Cabinet – the group of councillors responsible for taking most of the day-to-day decisions at the council.

He said:

“I look forward to working very closely with the strong and diverse voluntary sector we have within Shropshire.  The council sees the voluntary and community sector as a major player in its future development, and this is illustrated by my new Cabinet post.  I believe by working together as the new Government agenda evolves, we can achieve much more for Shropshire and both work towards our corporate aim of flourishing Shropshire communities.”

Sonia Roberts, Chair of Shropshire Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Assembly, welcomed the news and said:

“This new development builds on the support that has been given to the voluntary sector over the past few years through the role Councillor Martin Bennett played as champion for the VCS.  Elevating the responsibility to Cabinet level demonstrates that the council has responded to calls from the VCS Assembly to work closely together and involve voluntary sector representatives in partnership decisions at the most senior level.”

She added:

“The news demonstrates the council’s recognition of the challenges now facing the voluntary sector as a result of the Government’s drive to open up opportunities to both the private and voluntary sector to deliver more public services, developing a more competitive market place among service providers.  The VCS Assembly members welcome the support the council is providing the sector.  The council and other public sector partners are actively helping the voluntary sector to respond to change and new challenges and opportunities.”

To find out more about the VCS Assembly, which brings together over 300 local community groups and voluntary organisations, contact its coordinator, Sarah Dodds on 01743 252740 or email: sarah.dodds@shropshire.gov.uk.

Councillor Gwilym Butler will work with Councillor Cecilia Motley (whose role includes rural affairs) and Councillor Martin Bennett (who will act as a deputy and previously took the role of champion for the voluntary and community sector).  The three councillors lead the Flourishing Shropshire Communities portfolio.

For more information on the new portfolios and Cabinet structure visit this link.