Gavin Shuker
Main Page: Gavin Shuker (Independent - Luton South)Department Debates - View all Gavin Shuker's debates with the Cabinet Office
(11 years ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Mr Hurd
My hon. Friend is a great champion of the voluntary sector in her constituency. I am delighted to place on record my appreciation of volunteers across the country. As she points out, it is vital that we inspire the next generation. That is why national programmes, such as the National Citizen Service and the cross-sector and cross-party campaign—Step up to Service—we support to double the number of young people involved in regular volunteering are so important. I hope she welcomes them.
Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op)
6. What recent discussions he has had with charities and voluntary organisations on levels of demand for their services.
Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough) (Lab)
9. What recent discussions he has had with charities and voluntary organisations on levels of demand for their services.
The Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Mr Nick Hurd)
I have regular discussions with charities and voluntary organisations. The anecdotal evidence is that many are experiencing higher demand for their services. It is a challenging environment and we all know that. However, I am encouraged that charity income appears to be steady, volunteering is up, giving has remained stable and social investment has risen. It is challenging, yes, but there is good news out there.
Gavin Shuker
The Government expect charities and voluntary organisations to step in in many places where the state has pulled out. However, the Minister recently said:
“frankly I don’t think the government does understand civil society.”
Why did he say that?
Mr Hurd
Because for years, not least under 13 years of Labour, government and civil society did not mix or take the time to understand each other. Our commitment to open public service is not about replacing things but trying to create the space for charities and social enterprises to help us deliver better public services. There are different cultures and we have to take the time to understand each other better and make the process work better.