Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what financial support he plans to provide to charities and civil society organisations to ensure their (a) effectiveness and (b) solvency during the covid-19 outbreak.

On Tuesday evening, the Chancellor announced £330 billion of guarantees for businesses across the UK and emphasised his commitment to do whatever it takes to see industries through the Covid 19 outbreak.

Many charities and social enterprises will be eligible for the new Business Interruption Loan Scheme for loans of up to £5m, with no interest due for the first six months. While many charities are already eligible for 80% charitable rate relief, they will benefit from the new enhanced retail rate relief at 100%.

Furthermore, a new power in the Covid 19 bill will ensure the Chancellor and HMG as a whole can take whatever further financial actions necessary to support sectors across the economy. The Chancellor has asked cabinet colleagues to urgently convene meetings over the coming days with business leaders and representatives in these affected sectors, in order to identify specific opportunities to support them and their industries.