Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Charitable Giving: Cost of Living Increases

Thursday 7 July 2022 · 4 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Labour MPs raised concerns about the impact of cost of living increases on charitable giving and the sustainability of charities.
  • The Minister highlighted that total donations for Q1 2022 are the highest since 2017, partly due to contributions for the Ukrainian humanitarian appeal.
  • The Government provided over 15 billion in further support targeted at those most in need, in addition to previous support totalling 37 billion for the year.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of rising costs on charitable donations, referencing recent reports showing a drop in donations.

Question

What assessment her Department has made of the impact of increases in the cost of living on charitable giving?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

We understand pressures mean some will give less, but average donations remain higher than pre-COVID and total donations for Q1 2022 are highest since 2017 due to £300 million given towards Ukrainian humanitarian appeal.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a detailed assessment of the impact on charitable giving, only general statements.

How: We Understand Pressures

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Q2 Emma Lewell Lab South Shields
Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP criticises government policies for increasing reliance on food banks and asks about direct support to address the issue.

Question

I thank the Minister for that response, but he just does not get it, thanks to this Government's cruel policies, food banks are now embedded in our welfare state. As the cost of living crisis intensifies, we are running out of food donations and people are going hungry. It is an abdication of the Government's duty to leave charities to fill gaps left by the state, so when will whoever is left in the Government start doing their job?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

The Opposition do not have a monopoly on sympathy and understanding. We understand pressures people face, providing over £15 billion in further support targeted at those with greatest need, adding to previous £22 billion for total £37 billion this year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific timeline or commitment for direct intervention beyond existing measures.

How: Gently Remind, Opposition Do Not Have Monopoly

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Q3 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Economy Benefits & Welfare Environment
Context

The MP references research showing charities' financial struggles due to rising costs and increased demand, asking what actions the government is taking.

Question

I associate myself with remarks by my hon. Friend. Food banks are suffering. Charities Aid Foundation found 82% of charities worried about paying utility bills and many fear not surviving the crisis. What action are the Government taking to help our valuable charities stay afloat?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

During pandemic, over £750 million for charity scheme showed their importance; engaging with charities and making representations to other parts of Government. We recognise role they play but also need to help families directly to reduce burden on charities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps or timeline for supporting struggling charities beyond general engagement.

How: Engaging With Charities, Making Representations

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Q4 Barbara Keeley Lab
Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP criticises the lack of support from the government towards charities working hard to help people through the current cost-of-living crisis.

Question

Charities are working harder than ever to support people through this cost of living crisis. They deliver food, support those with stress due to poverty and advocate for vulnerable people. Charities suffer from big hit to income as running costs spiral and demand rockets. Cannot find any mention that Secretary of State has made of charities since appointed last year. Will Minister admit charities have not been a priority for this Government?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

The hon. Lady is completely wrong; Secretary of State and I talk about and to charities constantly, £750 million charity support during pandemic recognised key role they play.

Not addressed: Did not admit lack of priority or provide new commitments.

How: Hon. Lady Is Completely Wrong

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