Questioner: Christopher Chope
Question
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will (a) instruct the Valuation Office Agency to complete its work on the allocation of rateable values to the individual business premises at Aerodrome Studios, Airfield Way, Christchurch and (b) compensate businesses affected by the original decision not to allow the premises to be split for rating purposes following the reversal of that decision on appeal.
Answer (Jesse Norman)
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has a statutory duty to maintain the Rating List by assessing the rateable value (RV) of all non-domestic properties in line with the appropriate legislation. The VOA carries out its valuations independently of ministers and is currently meeting its statutory deadlines in relation to its Check, Challenge, Appeal service.
Questioner: Christopher Chope
Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, how many organisations in Christchurch constituency have applied for funding through the Coronavirus Community Support Fund; and what criteria are used to assess those applications.
Answer (John Whittingdale)
The Government has made available an unprecedented £750 million package of support, specifically for charities, social enterprises and the voluntary sector. This will ensure charities and other civil society organisations, including those at risk of financial hardship, can continue their vital work during the Covid-19 outbreak.
£200 million of this package is being administered and distributed by the National Lottery Community Fund (TNLCF) through the Coronavirus Community Support Fund which is mainly targeting smaller and local VCSE organisations. TNLCF received 7 total applications from Christchurch constituency for the Coronavirus Community Support Fund. 3 were successful, 3 were unsuccessful and 1 was withdrawn by the applicant. Each of the unsuccessful applicants were provided with the results of their application and the reason for being unsuccessful.
Applications to the CCSF are assessed on the extent to which they meet the objectives of the Programme as set out in guidance published on the NLCF website, including among other criteria: Organisations that support people and communities who have experienced disproportionate challenge and difficulty as a result of the COVID-19 crisis; Organisations providing services and support for vulnerable people, for which there will be increased demand as a result of the COVID-19 crisis; and Organisations which connect communities and support communities to work together to respond to Covid-19.