Government ministers have urged the voluntary sector to play a greater role in public services.

Home secretary, David Blunkett, and Treasury chief secretary, Paul Boateng, have launched a report detailing 42 recommendations to overcome the barriers facing voluntary and community organisations in helping to deliver high-quality public services.

The two ministers announced £93 million of government funding as part of the £188 million for the Active Community Unit set aside by chancellor Gordon Brown in the comprehensive spending review earlier this year.

Forum Response: The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association

Robin Hutchinson, head of communications for The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, told ePolitix.com: "Guide Dogs broadly welcomes the report and the prospect of a closer working relationship between the voluntary and public sectors, especially if this means more and better services for people who are blind and partially sighted.

"As the report rightly says, if the voluntary sector takes on contracts for the provision of public services, government funding must fully reflect the cost of those services. One of the strengths of the voluntary sector - which is again recognised in the report - is that it is able to represent local knowledge, understanding and priorities in both the planning and delivery of those services.

"What is vital, however, is that the voluntary sector's campaigning voice is not compromised as a result of running services on behalf of the government. The voluntary sector relies for much of its strength on its independence and this must be retained."

Forum Response: Counsel and Care

Martin Green, chief executive for Counsel and Care, told ePolitix: "I welcome the proposal for the voluntary sector to become more involved in delivering high quality public services and particularly the recognition that contracts should be properly costed.

"There will also need to be a shift in the mind set of both the government and local authorities if the objective of equal partnerships is to be achieved."