NCIA along with the TUC, Unite, Unison, NAVCA and others are organising a major conference in London on the 5^th October. Entitled ‘Outsourcing and Austerity: Civil Society and the Coalition Government’, the conference will aim to examine the impact of cuts in public spending, Coalition Government attempts to abolish rights, entitlements and services, and moves to contract out much of what remains to the private and voluntary sectors. All these developments throw down a challenge to those who want to defend the living standards of the most vulnerable, as well as the ‘ungoverned space’ of voluntary action against state co-option or incorporation into the private sector. The conference will offer a chance to hear a range of controversial views and share your own with others. You can find out more here – or by emailing Maxine@grantmoarcommunities.com.