Oral Answers to Questions

Jo Gideon Excerpts

Tuesday 7th July 2020 Commons Chamber

[Steve Barclay]

We continue to work closely with the sector and are willing to consider the situation of individual firms, providing that all other Government schemes have been explored and all commercial options exhausted, including raising capital from existing investors.

[Jo Gideon (Stoke-on-Trent Central) (Con)]

What fiscal steps he is taking to support the charity sector during the covid-19 outbreak.

[The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Kemi Badenoch)]

Alongside unprecedented support for individuals and businesses in the light of the covid-19 outbreak, the Government have announced a £750 million support package for charities, £360 million of which will be allocated directly to charities providing essential services and £200 million will go to local charities through the National Lottery Community Fund.

[Jo Gideon]

I thank the Minister for that answer and for the support that enabled charities to develop new ways of working during lockdown. Will the Minister outline how this Government’s support has helped my constituents in Stoke-on-Trent Central?

[Kemi Badenoch]

My hon. Friend is right to highlight the extraordinary innovations of charities in Stoke-on-Trent and across the country. We have seen innovation and adaptation right across the economy, made possible in part by the unprecedented level of support that we have been referring to during this session. As of the end of last week, £230 million had been disbursed from the Government’s charity support fund.