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Time Banking

27 February 2024

Lead MP

Deidre Brock
Edinburgh North and Leith
SNP

Responding Minister

Stuart Andrew

Tags

TaxationCulture, Media & SportMental Health
Word Count: 3561
Other Contributors: 2

At a Glance

Deidre Brock raised concerns about time banking in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

The hon. Member urges the Minister to support Timebanking UK's proposal for a three-year national programme to expand time banking networks and create public awareness campaigns. She suggests additional funding could enable the creation of start-up packs for up to 100 new time banks at an estimated cost of £20,000 to £50,000 per pack.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Edinburgh North and Leith
Opened the debate
The hon. Member is concerned about the decline in traditional community structures, such as religious organisations and local networks, leading to social isolation and loneliness among adults in the UK. She cited Office for National Statistics data showing a decrease of 7.2% since 2014-15 in those who feel their neighbours are willing to help them and an 8% fall in trust within neighbourhoods. Additionally, she mentioned that nearly half (49%) of adults reported feeling lonely occasionally, sometimes, often or always in 2022.

Government Response

Stuart Andrew
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Ms Bardell. I thank the hon. Member for Edinburgh North and Leith for securing this debate on the potential merits of Government support for time banking and for an insightful speech on the benefits that she has clearly witnessed herself. For me, volunteering is vital to society. As a Government, we are strongly committed—and I am personally—to supporting volunteering in all its forms. Our latest figures show that about 25 million people in England had volunteered at least once in the previous 12 months. That is a huge number of people making a positive impact in their communities. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has supported the development of volunteer rewards schemes such as Tempo Time Credits, which received a DCMS grant to help it scale up from its origins in Wales, to pilot three new hubs in England. Between 2017 and 2020, Tempo had more than 15,000 volunteers registered on its platforms, facilitating the exchange of information and support among its members. The Government is committed to encouraging and enabling volunteering across the country, supporting the next generation of volunteers, and improving volunteering experiences. Funding from the Government includes up to £30 million through the Know Your Neighbourhood fund to widen participation in volunteering and tackle loneliness in 27 of the most disadvantaged areas of the country. I extend an offer to meet with Members who are interested in discussing innovative ways to get all communities working together, encouraging people to take part in their community activities.
Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.