Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, against what criteria the Big Society Network was awarded the contract for running the Big Society Awards.

Grants were awarded to Society Network Foundation to deliver aspects for the Big Society Awards and the Giving Summit following consideration of proposals put forward by Society Network Foundation.

In 2012-13, £350,000 was paid to Society Network Foundation for the delivery of aspects of the Big Society Awards, £12,000 for delivering certain aspects of the Giving Summit and promotion of the Big Society. In 2013-14, £150,000 was paid to Society Network Foundation for delivery of aspects of the Big Society Awards.