Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he will take to encourage philanthropy and charitable giving to offset the effect of covid-19 on the charity sector.

The Government promised to match whatever the public donated to the BBC Big Night In fundraising event – which was broadcast on 23rd April – starting with a contribution of at least £20m to the National Emergencies Trust appeal. The remainder will be split between the Comic Relief and Children in Need charities. On the night of its broadcast, the event raised £27m.

On 8 April the Government announced a £750 million package of support for charities providing key services and supporting vulnerable people during the Covid-19 crisis. This funding package will help charities providing essential services to continue their operations and to weather the storm until we return to more normal times. Funding for charities will be made available in the coming weeks and further information will be announced on Gov.uk. The Government’s aim is to get funding to those in greatest need as soon as possible.