MP Bob Seely has welcomed a £750 million package of measures from the government to support frontline charities including hospices and those supporting domestic abuse victims.
Measures announced yesterday (8 April) by Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, included:
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£360 million for charities supporting vulnerable people including hospices, St Johns Ambulance, victims charities, vulnerable children’s charities and Citizens Advice.
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£370 million for small and medium-sized charities, including through a grant to the National Lottery Community Fund, to support those delivering food, essential medicines and providing financial advice.
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Match funding for whatever the public decides to donate to the BBC’s Big Night In charity appeal on 23 April, starting with a contribution of at least £20 million to the National Emergencies Trust appeal.
The Chancellor said: “Our charities are playing a crucial role in the national fight against coronavirus, supporting those who are most in need. It’s right we do everything we can to help the sector during this difficult time.”
Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, said: “Hospices have suffered a huge challenge to their funding due to the outbreak of coronavirus but at the same time continued to play a vital role in delivering compassionate, quality end-of-life care for many people.
“I am delighted that this cash boost will provide further financial stability and support them to increase capacity of NHS Services and provide stability as we manage our response to coronavirus.”
Bob said: “I welcome these measures. They have been announced at a crucial time when charities such as our hospice, Mountbatten, were really starting to worry about their futures. This should help to relieve some of the pressures they are currently under.
“I will be talking to Isle of Wight charities over the coming days and weeks to see how these measures can help them.”
During a parliamentary session last month Bob asked Economic Secretary, John Glen, for additional measures to help the voluntary sector – something Mr Glen had promised would be forthcoming.
Bob said: “I’m pleased that the government is listening to concerns and taking action to address them. It is important that we all work together and get through this difficult time together.”