Relationships between local and central government and voluntary and community organisations have been controversial for some time; and particularly since the introduction of the 'contract culture' during the 1980s. New Labour now argues that it wishes to develop a 'partnership culture' in which the voluntary sector is a major partner.New local partnerships, or compacts, of varying kinds are now being developed across the UK, involving a range of local public agencies including councils, health bodies and Learning and Skills Councils. This report is the first national evaluation of how this...