The Third Sector - Late 1990s young children offered new opportunities for local voluntary participation. Tax reforms were introduced to encourage charitable giving. In 1998 a Compact encouraging cooperative behaviour was devised and agreed between the UK Government and the voluntary sector. After the vacuum left by the abolition of the GLC in 1986, a Greater London Authority was created in 2000 with a directly elected Mayor. Gracia McGrath with Jeremy Corbyn In 1997 Joseph Jeffers of Stonewall was elected chair of IVAC. The President was Mayor Andy Gregg was followed as CEO in 1996 by of Islington Councillor Meg Hillier, later an MP Gracia McGrath until 1999. In 1997 the Labour and Minister. A Financial Management Support Government of Tony Blair was elected, and he Unit continued to offer accountancy advice. A would serve for a further nine years. Stringent Small Groups Team was established to focus government spending was maintained in the help for smaller organisations. A wide range of early years, except for a ‘New Deal’ work and training was offered, ranging from fundraising, training programme for young people and to equal opportunities to public speaking. allowing local authorities to use the proceeds Equality legislation improved rights against of previous council house sales. In later years discrimination, and improved rights at work as the economy grew, a period of support for including a National Minimum Wage and the ‘Third Sector’ emerged, though mainly as maternity rights. The old Section 13 was a way of delivering public services. Growing repealed and civil partnerships for same sex aid for projects like Sure Start centres for couples introduced. 26 Celebrating 50 Years of Service