Discussion Paper

A three month dialogue to discuss the future of the Compact and the role of the Commission for the Compact is now underway.  The Commission for the Compact has issued a discussion document containing questions to stimulate the debate. Compact Debate Discussion Paper (PDF)

The three key questions in the discussion document are:

•   What sort of agreement should the Compact be in the future?
•  How could the form and content of the Compact be enhanced to make it fit for the future?
• How could the Commission for the Compact change to ensure better implementation of the Compact?

Sir Bert Massie CBE, Commissioner for the Compact, delivered his recommendations about the future of the Compact and the role of the Commission for the Compact. Debate Report Findings

Sir Bert’s key recommendations are:

• That the Compact remains a voluntary agreement and that no further consideration be given to converting it into statutory form.
  
• That the Compact and Codes be rewritten into a single document, with particular consideration given to the implications for Local Compacts of a revised national Compact. The redrafting should take account of, and refer to, the new local performance framework, Local Strategic Partnerships, Local Area Agreements and the Comprehensive Area Assessment.
  
• That the Commission be mandated to begin the work of revising and rewriting the Compact forthwith, according to a consultative process to be agreed between the Compact parties.
  
• That the Commission for the Compact be established as a statutory corporation as described in 4.3 of the Report on the debate about the future of the Compact (November 2008). The statute establishing the Commission should also provide that, in the exercise of its functions, the Commission should act independently, having first agreed its business plan with the Secretary of State.

You can now share your thoughts about the future of the Compact on our new Online Forum - www.thecompact.org.uk/forum

Useful Documents

Press Release - Compact Debate Discussion Paper (Word)
Press Release - Compact Debate Discussion Paper (PDF)

Compact Debate Discussion Paper (Word)
Compact Debate Discussion Paper (PDF)