The Government appreciates that voluntary sector organisations make a substantial contribution to the delivery of high quality local health and social care services. Their unique understanding of local communities often means that they are better placed than others to reach those vulnerable and sometimes hard to reach groups. They have a strong track-record of designing, providing and supporting services based on insight into clients\u2019 needs, and are often well placed to respond flexibly to those needs.<\/p>
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The Department provides over £125 million of grant funding per year to the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector to help deliver better health and social care outcomes. This includes the Third Sector Investment Fund which offers grants to the voluntary and community sector to support the development of the sector, build capacity and promote innovation across health and care.<\/p>
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The Department also has a long history of working with the sector to develop policy. For example, the development of legislation and the regulations and guidance for the Care Act 2014 were produced in collaboration with expert reference groups including a broad range of VCSE organisations.<\/p>
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The Care Act also gives local authorities flexibility to delegate most of their care and support functions under the Act to another body, although the local authority will retain overall responsibility for the fulfilment of the function. Such delegation can include the voluntary sector where appropriate. In recognition of the important role of the VCSE sector in adult social care, the Act also gives local authorities a new duty to promote a diverse provider market.<\/p>
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