A RADICAL shake-up to develop the relationship between Redditch Council and voluntary organisations could lead to a change in the way services are delivered across the town.

It follows the creation of an agreement between the community sector and the council called PACT (Partnerships Acting for the Community Together).

PACT was launched at a conference last month and aims to strengthen and develop the relationship between the council and voluntary organisations.

Borough Director Chris Smith said by working together, the council and voluntary sector could achieve far more.

PACT will be developed by the newly formed Third Sector Infrastructure Group comprising council officers and voluntary sector representatives.

Mr Smith said: "We're looking into the delivery of services in the future and will be exploring opportunities for voluntary organisations to work alongside the council to deliver them."

The changes come alongside the re-launch of Redditch Community Commonwealth (RCC), set up to support voluntary organisations.

RCC network co-ordinator Becky Procter said: "The RCC has been created to be a voice for Redditch's community sector.

"We aim to help any voluntary or non-profit organisation move forward. We'll be able to identify funding opportunities, including Government grants and charitable trusts.

"We'll provide help with a range of things such as training, support, networking and business support, which will include bid writing."

Ms Procter added: "We'll produce newsletters keeping members informed about what is happening and hold regular meetings where information can be shared and partnerships between organisations can be formed."

For more details about RCC, call Ms Procter on 592940.