Norfolk Community Advice Network (NCAN) comment on the new political landscape following the general election and what it means for the VCSE sector. Reflecting on the 2024 General Election in Norfolk, the political landscape has experienced notable shifts, which are set to influence the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector significantly.

Norfolk saw a mix of continuity and change at the polls, with 6 of the 10 county seats changing hands, including the new Waveney Valley constituency. Norfolk now finds itself in the position of being the only county with MPs elected from each of the five main parties in England. Some representatives will find themselves in a new spot on the green benches of the House of Commons, others will find themselves in opposition for the first time. All will have new opportunities to shape their party’s priorities.

At NCAN, our mission is an end to poverty, discrimination and inequality in Norfolk, and a key focus of our campaigning work is built around engaging proactively with MPs, both to ensure they understand the vital role of the VCSE sector in addressing social welfare issues and supporting communities, but also to highlight some of the wider issues affecting constituents.

That’s why NCAN are writing to all of Norfolk’s MPs. We’re inviting each one to meet with representatives from local VCSE organisations. The aim to to get them to hear about the issues their constituents are facing. A new government often signals new challenges and a potential shift in priorities. The VCSE sector in Norfolk, characterised by its robust community roots and adaptability, is well-positioned to support the shaping of these priorities moving forward. Effective dialogue and collaboration with local MPs can help to ensure that the needs of the sector are considered in policy discussion and funding.

Issues facing the VCSE sector following the general election

One aspect to watch is the new government’s stance on funding and support for VCSE organisations. Ahead of the election, Labour promised to ‘reset the relationship’ between government and civil society. The Labour party manifesto also committed to ‘partnership’. These are both welcome promises, but so far there hasn’t been much detail on what this might look like.

Additionally, the sector must remain vigilant about the potential for increased demands and reshaped expectations, which can often put a strain on smaller organisations lacking the infrastructure for comprehensive data collection and reporting. Capacity-building and strategic partnerships will be essential to navigate these expectations without compromising on service delivery.

The new government will have to contend with several priorities that impact vulnerable communities disproportionally. Perhaps most prominent are the growing calls to scrap the two-child limit and imminent Household Support Fund cliff-edge. As advocates for advice and the wider VCSE sector, we hope that the political changes we’ve seen across Norfolk will provide new opportunities, empowering local charities and social enterprises to address urgent issues like economic inequality, social isolation, mental health and housing in a more effective way.

With proactive engagement, strategic collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to our communities, we can start the conversations that enable the sector to access opportunities presented by this new political landscape. Ultimately, the ambition is to ensure the VCSE sector in Norfolk not only survives, but thrives, in the years to come.

For more information about our work engaging with local MPs, and to get involved, contact Ruth Stokes (NCAN Campaigns Lead) at campaigns@ncan.co.uk