Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Support for Charities’ Response

Wednesday 10 June 2020 · 1 question

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Karen Buck asked about the pressure on UK-based international charities due to the pandemic.
  • The Minister acknowledged the importance of civil society and its partnership with DFID.
  • The Minister committed to reviewing the work of charities to ensure continued partnership.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Karen Buck Lab Blackpool South
Economy Foreign Affairs
Context

UK-based charities face significant challenges due to the pandemic, with many cutting overseas programmes and facing financial difficulties.

Question

UK-based international charities are under unprecedented pressure at a time when their services are most needed. Research shows that over half have reduced overseas programs and nearly half may not survive another six months. Will the Minister ensure that the review of their work begins by addressing those with the lowest transparency scores and focusing on programmes not prioritizing poverty reduction?

Answer from The Minister of State, Department for International Development Wendy Morton

I ought to wish you happy birthday as well, Mr Speaker. That was rather remiss of me. The hon. Lady makes a very important point. Civil society is an important policy and delivery partner for DFID and I absolutely recognise the work it does. Our continued partnership will be critical in ensuring that UK aid reaches those most in need as a result of covid-19. There are a number of funding schemes and programmes that DFID has recently announced and allocated, including a new £30 million UK Aid Direct funding round that is open specifically for small and medium-sized charities based both in the UK and internationally to support the global response to covid-19.

Answered
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