Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Voluntary and Community Organisations: Funding

Wednesday 11 November 2020 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister regularly meets Scottish Ministers to discuss funding for voluntary and community organizations in Scotland.
  • Funding of 60 million for charities within devolved authorities does not necessarily have to be used for those specific purposes.
  • Charities face an existential financial crisis with one-fifth uncertain due to poor finances over the next 12 months in Scotland.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rachael Maskell Labour (Co-op) York Central
Scotland
Context

The MP is concerned about the adequacy of funding provided to voluntary and community organisations in Scotland by the UK Government.

Question

What recent discussions has the Minister had with Scottish Government Ministers on the adequacy of funding for voluntary and community organisations in Scotland?

Answer from Iain Stewart

I regularly meet Scottish Ministers to discuss matters of importance to Scotland. Funding for the voluntary sector and community organisations in Scotland is a matter for the Scottish Government.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific discussions on funding adequacy were not addressed, only general statements made.

How: Funding Is A Matter For The Scottish Government

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Q2 Rachael Maskell Labour (Co-op) York Central
Scotland Local Government
Context

The MP references a £60 million fund provided by the UK Government for charities within devolved authorities and inquires about its distribution and possible extension.

Question

Charities and social enterprises are never more needed across the UK, but may I correct the Minister? The Government put forward a fund of £60 million for charities within the devolved authorities, so how much has been allocated to Scottish charities from this fund, and what representations have been made for its extension?

Answer from Iain Stewart

The funding that is given to the Scottish Government does not necessarily have to be used exactly for those purposes. They can supplement that as well out of the general funds that are transferred—the £8.2 billion. I am very happy to look into how that money is being spent.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific amounts allocated to Scottish charities from the fund were not provided, only a vague reference to supplementary funding was made.

How: Funding Does Not Have To Be Used Exactly For Those Purposes

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Q3 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Scotland
Context

The MP acknowledges the significant work done by the voluntary sector in Scotland but raises concerns about a financial crisis affecting many charities. The question prompts for additional funding support from government bodies.

Question

At the same time, however, charities face an existential financial crisis with reports indicating that one-fifth of Scottish charities are uncertain due to poor finances over the next 12 months. With new restrictions coming in across Scotland, will the Minister commit to working with relevant ministers and officials to secure additional funding for these organisations?

Answer from Iain Stewart

There is an enormous challenge on all of us, whether in government, in the charities themselves or in the private sector, to work closely together and for us to help them through this period.

Not addressed: Commitment to additional funding was not made, only a general statement about working together was provided.

How: An Enormous Challenge On All Of Us

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