Government minister Dawn Primarolo will visit Portsmouth next week to launch the national and local Pathfinder reports.

The project is designed to explore the voluntary and community sectors potential ability to deliver public services and the visit of the paymaster general is sure to highlight its importance.

Portsmouth has been praised as it one of only five authorities in the country to have Pathfinder status, thereby outlining the dedication to the voluntary and community sector in the city.

Nicola Youern, chief executive at Southern Focus Trust, praised the work her organisation has done: “It appeared that we were ahead of the game in many respects; we had a clear plan, knew the issues and were well informed.

“What was key, however, was the need for leadership from the voluntary sector to take this agenda forward,” she added.

Elsewhere, Suffolk county councillors recently voted to approve the county’s bid to seek Pathfinder status from the government. It is estimated the move will save £150 million.

© Adfero Ltd