Voluntary Sector Partnership Working 2025-10-23
2025-10-23
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Research from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations indicates that the charity and voluntary sector delivers £14 billion of public services annually. In Danny Beales' constituency, local organisations like Hillingdon citizens advice bureau, Mencap and Mind have seen funding cuts.
I welcome the covenant and the Minister’s response. Research from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations indicates that the charity and voluntary sector delivers £14 billion of public services annually. In my constituency, Hillingdon citizens advice bureau, Mencap and Mind provide vital advice and support, but in recent years their funding has been cut by the local authority. What steps is the Cabinet Office taking to reform public procurement and strengthen partnership working with the voluntary sector so that such organisations can play a greater role in future?
I know that my hon. Friend has been a real leader in working with voluntary organisations in his constituency of Uxbridge and South Ruislip, and indeed across the country. As he knows, those organisations are often closest to the communities they serve. I am proud to say that, from April next year, all Government Departments must set a two-year target for direct spend with voluntary, community and social enterprises, and they must publish their results annually.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK shared prosperity fund is set to end, replaced by the local growth fund. Voluntary and community organisations in Northern Ireland are concerned about a funding gap between the two funds.
I welcome the Minister’s reassurance. The UK shared prosperity fund is about to come to an end, to be replaced by the local growth fund, and voluntary and community organisations in Northern Ireland have real concerns that they will be left in limbo between one ending and the other starting. I recognise what the Minister just said about the two-year funding pot, but what reassurances can he give those organisations in Northern Ireland that their funding will carry over?
My understanding is that the new funding will start in the new financial year, but I will look into the specific issue the hon. Gentleman raised in relation to Northern Ireland, and I will write to him to reassure him on that.
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Assessment & feedback
specific reassurances for organisations in Northern Ireland during transition period
Response accuracy