A short and simple Blog entry to start 2012. Please read the New Year message of Steve Wyler from Locality, which can be found at http://locality.org.uk/comment/years-resolution-expose-incompetence-failing-communities/.

It tells of the roots of the Legal Aid Service and the Citizens Advice Bureau and other advice work, a full 120 years ago, through the work of Frank Tillyard. However, it also how a national charity with no track record has undercut a Birmingham based specialist in the money advice field which has an excellent reputation.

It could happen anywhere, including here. One of our top priorities for 2012 will be to work with the VCS Reference Group and with our Partners to connect our local sector with the strategies that can keep local voluntary action in the hands of local organisations, run by local people who understand the local need.