Voluntary and Community Organisations Funding 2020-11-11
2020-11-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the adequacy of funding provided to voluntary and community organisations in Scotland by the UK Government.
What recent discussions has the Minister had with Scottish Government Ministers on the adequacy of funding for voluntary and community organisations in Scotland?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific discussions on funding adequacy were not addressed, only general statements made.
Funding Is A Matter For The Scottish Government
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific amounts allocated to Scottish charities from the fund were not provided, only a vague reference to supplementary funding was made.
Funding Does Not Have To Be Used Exactly For Those Purposes
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to additional funding was not made, only a general statement about working together was provided.
An Enormous Challenge On All Of Us
Response accuracy