Covid-19 Support for Charity Sector 2021-03-09
2021-03-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by the significant fiscal challenges faced by charities due to the pandemic. It references the need for support to ensure continued operations and services, particularly those that assist in relieving pressure on the NHS.
What fiscal steps he is taking to support the charity sector in response to the covid-19 outbreak?
The Government have provided an unprecedented multibillion-pound package of support for Britain's charities, including £750 million of dedicated funding that has helped more than 15,000 organisations across the country respond to the impacts of covid-19 and relieve the pressure on our NHS.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The question highlights the increase in domestic abuse cases and calls to national helplines due to the pandemic, prompting a request for specific steps being taken by the government to support relevant charities.
Will my right hon. Friend set out what steps he is taking to support charities in this field so we can ensure that victims and their children can access the support they need?
My right hon. Friend the Chancellor at the Budget last week committed a further £90 million of funding; that, of course, builds on the £125 million announced at the spending review and indeed the earlier £25 million that had also been provided, recognising the 65% increase in calls to the national domestic abuse hotline.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by the significant contributions made by charities during the pandemic. It asks if there are plans to incentivise public donations through tax measures.
With the Finance Bill coming up, will the Treasury reward the efforts of these charities and encourage the public to donate by temporarily increasing the rate of gift aid from 20% to 25% and expanding the small donations scheme?
In respect of specific tax measures, obviously they were dealt with by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor in the Budget last week, but I remind the hon. Lady of the £750 million of dedicated funding that has been provided to date in recognition of that important work.
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Assessment & feedback
The questioner requested information on increasing gift aid and expanding donation schemes, but the answer focused solely on previous funding announcements without addressing new tax measures or expansion plans.
Reminding About Past Funding
Response accuracy