I understand that some Islanders will have concerns surrounding the important issue of charity funding and support for charities during the pandemic. I know that this continues to be a worrying time for many charities, just at the point where support is needed most.

I am pleased that a support package worth £750 million has been made available to charities to help them with their vital work in our response to Covid 19. Additionally, funds which were raised between 18 July and 31 August through selected coronavirus charity campaigns are being matched on a pound-for-pound basis through the new ‘Community Match Challenge’.

Isle of Wight charities and community groups have been able to benefit from £162,000 in emergency grants from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation to support them in their response to the Covid crisis. It is estimated that 10,000 Islanders have benefitted from the funding which has been awarded to 27 island charities and voluntary organisations.

I strongly encourage Islanders wherever possible to continue supporting charities in their vital work during these unprecedented and difficult times.