Inter Faith Network for the UK

Debate between Seema Malhotra and Simon Hoare

Wednesday 10th January 2024 Commons Chamber

[Simon Hoare]

Let me assure the hon. Lady that I hear precisely what she has said. I will communicate that through to ministerial colleagues and to officials in the Department who are dealing with this matter. She makes the point powerfully and I hear what she says. Any organisation that secures funding from the public sector, be it in central or local government, always values certainty and security. I am seized of that and of the time pressures to which she alludes.

[Seema Malhotra]

Could the Minister confirm whether the Department has also been in touch with the IFN to say that there is going to be a forthcoming announcement?

[Simon Hoare]

The letter of 7 July set out to Dr Crabtree the funding criteria. That letter has not been either rescinded or updated, so it stands as the de facto communication, if you will, between the Department and the network. Officials and Ministers will be working on that, as I say, and the Department hopes to be able to make an announcement in pretty short order.