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OCVA is the main umbrella body for the Oxfordshire voluntary and community sector. We provide advice, information and training, act as advocates and representatives, and build partnerships.


 

Latest News

Coventry University has published the final copy of their research: Building Better Neighbourhoods: The Contribution of Faith Communities to Oxfordshire Life. The report contains a huge amount of information and finds (amongst other things) that faith communities in Oxfordshire give 12,500 hours every month as volunteers and invest over £8.5 million each year in employees, a ground-breaking study has revealed. In addition, they make 220 rooms and halls available for community activities other than worship, and contribute significantly to the community.

Oxfordshire County Council is keen to hear the views of residents on how unprecedented savings to the budgets that provide key services might be made in coming years as part of a 'Big Debate'.

The council recently announced how it would make £11m worth of 2010/11 savings that have been required of it by central Government following cuts to grants announced in June. It is unique in the modern history of local government for cuts in grant to be made part-way through a financial year.

David Cameron has again launched his Big Society drive to empower communities, describing it as his 'great passion'. In a speech in Liverpool, the prime minister said groups should be able to run post offices, libraries, transport services and shape housing projects. Cameron also reiterated his plans to use dormant bank accounts to fund projects, saying that the concept would be a 'big advance for people power.'

To find out more about the Big Society please click here.

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