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Commission for the Compact Bill

A Bill to place the Commission for the Compact on a statutory basis; to confer powers on the Commission; and for connected purposes.

What this bill does

The Compact, established in 1998, is a partnership agreement between the voluntary and community sector and Government which sets out the basic principles underpinning the relationship between both parties. It is not legally binding. In April 2007 the Commission for the Compact was established to oversee the operation of the Compact and the accompanying codes of practice. Its work includes promoting awareness and implementation of the Compact, undertaking research and policy projects, and exploring key themes that affect the relationship between the statutory and voluntary sectors. It is not a regulatory body and does not have any legal powers.The Bill would place the Commission for the Compact on a statutory basis. It would also give the Commission new powers of investigation where there have been breaches of Compact agreements, access to relevant information, and the ability to impose a duty on others to co-operate with its investigations.

Originating House

House of Commons

Parliament last updated

20 October 2009

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This bill puts the Commission for the Compact on a statutory footing and gives it powers to investigate breaches of the Compact, require information, and compel cooperation. It aims to strengthen the relationship between the voluntary and community sector and Government under the Compact, while keeping the Commission non-regulatory.

Key Points

  • Establishes the Commission for the Compact as a statutory body with legal status.
  • Gives the Commission powers to investigate breaches of the Compact and to require information and cooperation.
  • Allows the Commission to access relevant information needed for investigations.
  • Creates a duty on others to cooperate with investigations.
  • Affirms the Commission is not a regulator and will focus on promoting the Compact and related policy work.

Progress

The bill is at the 2nd reading in the House of Commons, following its first reading on 19 May 2009. No further progress beyond the 2nd reading has occurred yet.

Who is affected?

Voluntary and community sector organisationsGovernment departments and other public bodies that engage with the voluntary sectorThe Commission for the Compact itself and organisations working to comply with the CompactResearchers and policy-makers involved in sector-relations work

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

19 May 2009

2nd readingCommons
Committee stageCommons
Report stageCommons
3rd readingCommons
1st readingLords
2nd readingLords
Committee stageLords
Report stageLords
3rd readingLords
Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Commission for the Compact

1 Jan 1970
This Bill was presented to Parliament on 19 May. This is known as First Reading and there was no debate on the Bill at this stage.

This Bill was on the Order Paper for a Second Reading on several Fridays before being dropped by its sponsor, Tom Levitt.

Documents (1)

Bill as Introduced
BillCommons
20 May 2009

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.